Posted: June 8, 2009
Fluorescent Lighting – Easy on the Eyes
ANAHEIM, CA – Leading medical, dental and specialty offices, hospitals, urgent care centers, and other healthcare facilities nationwide are creating more comfortable and safer work environment by using pure light to change the way their staffs work and interact with patients.
New technology from NaturaLux™ allows these facilities and practices to create a visually soothing, yet visually efficient environment so that employees’ work smarter, not harder.
Recently published studies show that high color temperature light achieved by using NaturaLux™ Filters greatly improves overall visual performance in professional office environments. Now specialists and support personnel are able towork a full shift without typical visual fatigue associated with their job types.
According to NaturaLux’s Kevin Kirschner, his company’s new lighting break-through increases color accuracy for physicians and dentists. “Whether a patient’s skin color needs to be assessed, or their tooth color matched, accuracy is crucial. Our technology greatly improves these processes,” he explained. Ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by non-treated fluorescent lights, affects not only the health of workers and patients, but also contributes to deterioration of plastics, wall coverings, drapes, etc. UV rays are known to affect over 150 commonly-prescribed medications, causing patients to become photo-allergic or photo-sensitive. Patients with autoimmune diseases such as lupus erythematosus can suffer from extreme exhaustion, dermatological eruptions and other problems just by being exposed to the UV rays from fluorescent lights.
NaturaLux’s new technology is about to change the way Americans light their offices and workplaces. “This change in lighting technology serves to improve performance and also provides an opportunity to critically look at the potential hazards associated with advanced fluorescent systems in order to keep people healthy and safe,” explained Kirschner, whose company, Inspired Concepts, Inc., invented the hi-tech solution to lighting health risks.
The U.S. Congress has passed, and the President has signed, legislation mandating the phase-out of conventional incandescent bulbs starting in 2012 as part of initiatives to reduce global warming. Many states are adopting or have implemented their own “bulb-bans” over the last 12 months.
But today, more and more scientists and healthcare professionals, like Kirschner, are questioning the impact of this end of the traditional light bulb – and encouraging accompanying hi-tech measures to avoid future health risks.
“Fluorescent lighting is not really new technology; in fact it is over 50 years old,” said Kirschner. “Millions of fluorescent light tubes and bulbs already exist in offices, factories, workshops, homes, schools, universities, airports, cafes and hospitals. Over the years they have been proven to be more cost-effective and reliable than standard incandescent bulbs”.
So, what’s the problem?
“All fluorescent lights, including the new compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) contain mercury, a neurotoxin that can cause kidney and brain damage. They also emit Ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV exposure is known to form non-melanoma and melanoma cancers, premature aging (freckling, fine wrinkling, and dilatation of capillaries), cataract formation, and autoimmune system disorders,” Kirschner explained.
Many patients with Lupus and Fibromyalgia – estimated at roughly 1.5 – 2 million nationwide – routinely experience adverse affects from fluorescent light sources. Statistics indicate that 80% to 90% of Lupus patients are women and is even more prevalent among African-Americans, Hispanics and Asians. Lupus facilitators report that some of those who suffer from Lupus, after being under fluorescent lighting for just 20-30 minutes, physically collapse from the effects of the UV rays.
It is also recognized that people who suffer from migraines, scleroderma, porphyria, vitiligo, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyper-activity Disorder (ADHD), autism, and Irlen’s Syndrome are negatively affected by fluorescent lighting. It is not uncommon for individuals without diagnosed illnesses to experience skin rashes, disorientation, headaches, blurred vision and dizziness from prolonged exposure.
What is the solution? How can we slow-down global warming without causing human suffering?
“It is imperative that the government resolves the growing panic within the enormous number of people who experience ill-effects from fluorescent bulbs,” stated Kirschner. “Associations and groups representing Lupus and other sufferers are forming consortiums to encourage federal, state and local lawmakers to mandate protection for those who suffer from the ill-effects caused by fluorescent lighting.”
“The solution,” he continued, “is to eliminate the UV rays emitted by fluorescent lighting. We believe the answer is NaturaLux.” NaturaLux Filters are patented lighting filters that address the most common fluorescent–related health issues by:
· Absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays
· Eliminating glare that causes headaches and eyestrain
· Color balancing and color correcting light from fluorescents
NaturaLux™ Filters are currently available for 2’, 4’ and 8’ linear fluorescent fixtures. A CFL version of the filter is in its final development stage for home and office use.
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