Fluorescent Lights Out

I was going to try and make this particular poll go a bit longer, but I think we’ve all heard enough about fluorescent lights for now. 18 out of 19 people who responded have some type of adverse reaction to fluorescent. They are obviously not good for people who have lupus. I think we knew that already. About the only thing I have learned from this so far is how to spell fluorescent.

We don’t have any fluorescent light in the house, with the exception of the kitchen, which has these four rows of those banks of bulbs behind plastic translucent sheets. One of the things that I would like to do, once there’s money to do so, is to tear those out and install some incandescent down lighting.

On another note, I wanted to say thanks for those folks who have supported the site by using the amazon links (you don’t have to purchase the stuff shown as long as you start your search through the link) and those of you who check out some of the cycling advertisements. It’s pennies here and there but they do add up. Thanks!

Fluorescent Light Bulbs and Lupus

I noticed something interesting in today’s enewsletter from the Lupus Foundation of America.

Fluorescent Light Bulbs and People with Lupus

Some reports suggest that there may be enough UVB radiation in fluorescent light bulbs to cause photosensitivity in people with lupus. Are you one of the people affected by fluorescent light bulbs? Please share your story with us at advocacy@lupus.org.

This has been one of those things that just dumbfound people when they see it. Jenny is super sensitive to fluorescent light. She will usually turn red and rashy within about ten minutes of stepping in a Target.

Oddly enough, the most dramatic example of this reaction happens in the doctor’s office. Those small brightly lit rooms make my wife butterfly almost immediately. I remember that some of the doctors were amazed at how quickly it happens. One doctor actually turned the lights out and then went to get a colleague in order to show him how quickly it happens.

I’ve seen articles about how we will eventually move almost entirely to fluorescent because of the impact on the environment. I wonder how that will affect my wife. Not only does she butterfly but she also tends to get headaches from the fluorescent lights. Maybe the technology will get better and the spectrum of light will be a bit more friendly for light-sensitive lupus patients.

If you have had any experience with this, I do encourage you to share your comments here and email
the folks at the LFA at advocacy@lupus.org.