Evaluation of electric and magnetic fields of energy-saving compact fluorescent lamps in terms of radiation protection

The technology used in energy-saving compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), provides a quarter of the energy consumption of incandescent lamps to produce equivalent light energy while CLFs shelf life is up to ten times of incandescent lamps. So the incandescent lamps in homes and workplaces are replaced with CFLs. Due to the use of ballast in the structure of CFLs, electric and magnetic fields are generated around them. Electric and magnetic fields at various frequencies can be harmful to human health. Complying with radiation exposure standards is an effective way to reduce the harmful effects of radiation. This study aimed to evaluate the electric and magnetic fields of CFLs and compare the results with standard exposure limits. Electric and magnetic fields radiated by 50 CFLs with different models, shapes and output powers at different distances from the lamps at of 50 Hz frequency and frequency range of 24 to 100 kHz were measured. Based on the measurement results, the intensities of the fields at distances greater than 50 cm is lower than the public exposure limits; however, for lamps more than 90 watts, at distances of up to 30 cm from the lamp they may be higher that exposure limits. Therefore using these lamps in small and closed places should be done with caution. Also, by increasing number of CFLs (such as for chandeliers), electric (or magnetic) vectors are added, and to meet exposure limits, more distances from the set of lamps are needed.