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'Green' bulbs could cause skin damage
The Health Protection Authority (HPA) cautions against being closer than 30cm (1ft) to some compact fluorescent (cfl) bulbs for long as the energy-saving light bulbs could cause skin reddening because of ultraviolet light emissions.
The HPA said it was prompted to investigate the bulbs after being approached by groups representing people who suffer from light sensitivity issues.
The health experts said that UV light equivalent to being outside on a sunny day is being emitted by some bulbs, but if the coil is not visible the issue is prevented. They added there is no evidence that such bulbs pose a cancer threat.
"We are not saying these could cause cancer," said HPA chief executive Justin McCracken. "At the exposure levels we are talking about the worst effect that we believe there is as result of our investigation is that people could have some short-time reddening of their skin." The Health Protection Authority (HPA) cautions against being closer than 30cm (1ft) to some compact fluorescent (cfl) bulbs for long a... more -
In 1938, they UV branded babies
I didn't know they had UV back then either.
Apparently a 1938 issue of Popular Science included an article on a new procedure that Brooklyn nurses had been using to help preventing new-born mix-ups, branding the babies' skin with their initials using a 'hand-type ultraviolet-ray lamp.' I didn't know they had UV back then either. ... more -
Indoor tanning - catch a deadly ray?
"As many Americans head to the beach this weekend, the country's dermatologists have launched a major campaign against indoor tanning.
This is actually the peak season for tanning salons, with graduations and weddings, as well as the desire to jump-start that summer bronze, prompting those who want to look sun-kissed to seek a shortcut. Every day, about one million people go to tanning salons. Most are young women ages 16 to 29. And as this new campaign emphasizes, the habit is putting them at much greater risk of skin cancer.
The American Academy of Dermatology's message to young women is direct: Tanning light is more dangerous than you think. "What you need to know is that UV light from indoor tanning can cause premature aging … and even worse, UV light can increases your risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer…" the organization's public service announcement says". "As many Americans head to the beach this weekend, the country's dermatologists have launched a major campaign against indoo... more -
80% Efficient Solar Panel?! Works at Night?! | EcoGeek
The most expensive, carefully designed, and complicated solar panels in the world operate at about 40% efficiency. That means that, for every bit of sunlight that hits the panel, only 40% of it is turned into electricity.
Scientists think that this is just about as good as silicon panels can do and are now looking at ways to make it cheaper, instead of making them more efficient. But suddenly, from nowhere, comes Steven Novack of the Idaho National Laboratories with an inexpensive, foldable solar panel that may turn out to be up to 80% efficient. The most expensive, carefully designed, and complicated solar panels in the world operate at about 40% efficiency. That means that, fo... more
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