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say scientists -
by
Daily Mail Reporter
UPDATED 20 April 2011
from
DailyMail Website
New fears...
Cancer causing
chemicals are released by energy-saving bulbs
when they are
switched on, scientists said
Energy saving bulbs emit cancer causing
chemicals it was claimed last night as new fears were raised about
their safety.
Scientists said they should not be left
on for long periods of time or placed close to a person's head
because they release poisonous materials. The EU has unveiled plans
to phase out 'normal' incandescent bulbs by the end of next year as
they try to cut carbon emissions.
They should not be used by adults to
read or kept near a child's head all night, the experts said.
While it is already known that harmful
amounts of Mercury are released if one of the new 'green' bulbs is
broken, the latest research shows other carcinogenic chemicals are
emitted when they are switched on.
The German research shows that the
chemicals are released as a form of steam.
The harmful substances include phenol -
a poison injected by the Nazis to kill thousands of concentration
camp victims during World War II - and the human toxins naphthalene
and styrene.
Tests showed that the materials used to
make the lamps are probably responsible for their potentially
harmful side effects.
Andreas Kirchner, from the
Federation of German Engineers, said:
'Electrical smog develops around
these lamps. I therefore use them only very economically. They
should not be used in unventilated areas and definitely not in
the proximity of the head.'
'They should not be used in
unventilated areas and definitely not in the proximity of the
head.'
The report on German television forced
the country’s environmental protection agency to issue a warning
against 'public hysteria.' The Department for the Environment has
insisted that the bulbs are safe.
Dr Michelle Bloor, lecturer in
Environmental Science at Portsmouth University, told the Daily
Express:
'Further independent studies would
need to be undertaken to back up the presented German research.'
Video
Rays of Rash - Toxic Light Bulb Investigation
Click above image for video...
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