[AERNet] Fluorescent Lights

[APH LOUISVILLE]

Hi Ike,

As you know, this is a favorite topic of mine.  Your buddies are half
right.  The old lights flickered a lot and caused a lot of stress to
persons using them.  But that is not the only issue for people with
visual impairments.  The kind/color of light emitted from the tube, no
matter what shape it is, is determined by the phosphors (or mineral
dust) that coats the inside of the tube.  When buying tubes it is
important to look at the code on the tube to determine what kind of
light is emitted.  Every code should include a two digit number after
the last slashmark in the code.  If that number is higher than 32, the
tube will emit bluish light which is very demanding on the eyes and
leads to photostress in many people who have eye problems.  Numbers of
32 and lower, emit light that is closer to the red end of the spectrum,
and very easy on the eyes.

I have a 30 page packet of information which covers most everything
you'd want to know about lighting for persons with low vision.  Anyone
who would like a copy can write to me at ekitchel at aph.org and I'll be
happy to send it either by snail mail, or electronically.  Just please
don't bog down the listserve with the requests.

All the best,

Elaine Kitchel
Low Vision Project Leader
American Printing House for the Blind

>>> "Ike Presley" <presley at afb.net> 05/01/07 12:32PM >>>
Hi All,
 
I checked with some of my buddies in electrical engineering about the
issue of fluorescent lights. It seems that the older style tube lights
that are used in many buildings are the real culprit when it comes to
causing physical discomfort for some people. The newer, compact
fluorescent bulbs, that are spiral shaped do not have the same problem
and these are the types of bulbs that are being recommended. 
 
If anyone knows anything different, please chime in.
Ike