Re: Energy saving light bulbs

I’ve done a fair bit of reading (as a physics student) and have my doubts about the safety of fluorescents for the same reasons as have been listed above. + CFLs use as much energy etc in construction to make them essentially NO GREENER than incandescents. The real potential is in LEDs. I’m still yet to be convinced by current LED technology but it certainly looks promising. This idea about salvaging LEDs from christmas lights is great! The UV comments made above I believe are valid. You’ve got to remember that the shielding on fluorescents isn’t actually sufficient to prevent dangerous categories of EMR from leaking under normal use as well. I’ve come across UV lamps installed in public buildings which are emitting direct UV, I was horrified – no warning given or protection! Your eyes are particularly sensitive to radiative damage – especially at short range so err on the side of caution…