So I started researching for this new blog and came across this article from the guardian, published back in 2002. The articale focuses a lot on prisoners, but it's what my blog is about. Not prisoners but the negative effects of fluorescent lights.

Over in the UK they can see that these fluorescent lights aren't good for prisoners and Michaele Wynn-Jones is speaking against subjecting prisoners to them. Not only do the prisoners and guards suffer from headaches, eye strain, sleep disorders, carbohydrate cravings and depression- the bad lighting may even be contributing to the suicide rates.

But here in America they're in nearly all the stores (I've never been shopping on any other continent than this one but I assume stores in Europe have fluorescent lights too) so innocent shoppers have to put up with them. Most people can tolerate them- though they can trigger migraines and/or make headaches worse. For those like me who are sensitive to light it is pure misery. Can't always see the flickering but can feel it, along with the harsh glare. Trying to concentrate (or care) on what you're there to buy is nearly impossible. I'm lucky if I manage to buy enough good food for a few decent meals by the time I flee the store, most shopping trips to the grocery store end with me hurrying with my basket holding a few boxes of hot pockets and gum to the check out.

For coping the article mentions guards and inmates putting colored cellophane over the lights. Useful if you have to put up with fluorescent lights in your home, or work and your boss allows it. Unfortunately I doubt many stores would allow customers to place cellophane over their lights. This may pose a fire hazard and if the store has a high ceiling the lights are out of reach.

As Wynn-Jones said fluorescent lights were never meant to be used long-term like they are today. People think they're great because they last longer than most lights and use less electricity. But does that make leeches better than fleas because they can hang on longer? Do other types of lighting really cost that much more and is it worth what fluorescent lighting does to people?

Welcome

Welcome to my blog. I hope to find and share information about flourscent lights and how to cope with the evil illumination.