Any studies done on the use of Florescent light in the workplace?

Color temp differences i.e. 3000 K or 5000 K (white daylight vs) does it effect work performance, eye fatigue, stress , depression ?

It can cause eyestrain due to the nature of the light (non-continuous emission spectrum) and due to flicker. At least this is what I was told, in conjunction to similar studies on TV and computer monitors.

Some TV and monitors cause eyestrain due to the flicker.

The best fluorescent bulbs are deluxe cool white, which simulate daylight more closely and have less flicker. Again, what I was told at EK. They used them exclusively to maximize color or viewing fidelity and minimize eyestrain.

I have no data to back this up, merely what I was told regarding the type of bulbs we used and why.

PE

Thanks Ron,

It certainly is a simple office environment change.

Also I was wondering for example those who leave their homes in the early morning dark hours, enter their cubicles, and then leave work in the dark...there are studies showing lack of sunlight can cause depression, anxiety and fatique etc...would the use of deluxe cool white provide a bit of a remedy for this, if indeed working under the non cool lights were a factor.

Yes, there are studies. The ones I know of are education related (i.e. effect of florescent lights on students). If I can find one I will point you to it. I have not read any study supporting them, and I know from direct experience students, as well as me, are much happier working with them off.


Found some: From a super quick search

Full-spectrum fluorescent lighting: A review of its effects on physiology and health. McColl, Shelley L.; Veitch, Jennifer A.; Psychological Medicine, Vol 31(6), Aug 2001. pp. 949-964.

Differential Effects of Classroom Lighting on Inappropriate Behaviors in a Severely Mentally Retarded Boy. Fletcher, Donna; Grey, Teresa. DPH Journal, v8 n1 p42-48 Spr-Sum 1985.

Yes, there are studies. The ones I know of are education related (i.e. effect of florescent lights on students). If I can find one I will point you to it. I have not read any study supporting them, and I know from direct experience students, as well as me, are much happier working with them off.

Mark, I felt the same, spending many years in the classroom, often I would turn them off also so as not the hear the darn things.

If I don't have the lights on I am a much happier camper. On the other hand my principal told me that, if the lights are not on, he can't tell if I am in the office. (too damn lazy to poke his head in.) So, if I don't want him to bother me I leave the lights off, and he thinks I am not in here. Heh heh. :D:D:D

I'll recommend two:

Health and Light, by John M. Ott, ISBN 0-671-474333-2 (The effects of natural and artifical light on man and other living things).

And:

Light Years Ahead, by Joseph Bryan Breilling, Psy.D (and many others), ISBN 089087-762-9.

The latter is somewhat "Pop Science-y" but still contains a great deal of useful, scientifically valid information.

A couple of observations:

"Cool White" (Note: NOT ''special" or "warm" ...) fluorescent lamps were originally developed for automobile showrooms; their harsh (extremely) spectrum has the effect of making automobile finishes look "shiny". They have been proven to increase fatigue.

The spectrum having the worst effects on human physiology appears to be "Pink" Fluorescents. Incandescent "Pink" lamps are very different - and are obtainable for "mood" lighting.

Ordinary incandescent lamps have a spectrum normal for "black body" radiation. It seems that the closer we hold to a normal spectra - at any color temperature - the less injurious their effect on the human - and animal - and plant - life.

A LOT of research has been done to develop "full spectrum" lighting. Neodymium (?) lamps are avialable - and I find them effective.

I do not have a fluorescent lamp in the house.

I hate the bloody things, and am lucky enough to have a workspace with windows on 2 sides. I took all but one of the tubes out years ago, ( in the winter I need one light to be able to see my desk:D ) and am much happier for it. Eye strain and humming were problematic.

In all the labs I have worked at including Elevator , deluxe cool white is what was used as a standard as Ron suggests.
It can cause eyestrain due to the nature of the light (non-continuous emission spectrum) and due to flicker. At least this is what I was told, in conjunction to similar studies on TV and computer monitors.

Some TV and monitors cause eyestrain due to the flicker.

The best fluorescent bulbs are deluxe cool white, which simulate daylight more closely and have less flicker. Again, what I was told at EK. They used them exclusively to maximize color or viewing fidelity and minimize eyestrain.

I have no data to back this up, merely what I was told regarding the type of bulbs we used and why.

PE

Does this include darkroom lights? isn't the fluorescent afterglow a problem, especially for high speed film?

Regards,

Francisco

Yes, afterglow is a problem.

PE

I did some lighting research years ago for a friend that opened a daycare business. The best way to go is with full spectrum lighting of which there is quite a bit written about.

I love it when they call fluorescents "Full Spectrum". Just like "military justice", and "common sense".

Take a look at the spectrum. The best of them have three sad lumps in the spectrum. At best it's less "unfull" than plain vanilla fluorescents with one lump, but full spectrum? Not.

Incandescents are better looking and have no mercury. When I walk into a room and the light is kinda "dead" or just plain annoying, I almost always find the light source is fluorescent.

C