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Reversion profiles of coolwhite fluorescent light compared with far ultraviolet light: homologies and differences
T A Cebula1, E N Henrikson, P E Hartman
1Molecular Biology Branch (HFS-235), CFSAN, FDA, Washington, DC 20204, USA.
Fluorescent lamps emit UV light, which can be lethal and mutagenic to bacteria. Lamps with lower UV output showed no such effects, suggesting a need to minimize UV exposure from common lighting.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Photobiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Fluorescent lamps emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation as part of their light spectrum.
- The biological impact of UV light from common lighting sources is not fully understood.
- Bacterial strains sensitive to UV radiation can be used to assess mutagenic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the lethal and mutagenic effects of UV light emitted by fluorescent lamps.
- To compare the mutagenic profiles induced by different brands of fluorescent lamps.
- To analyze the specific types of mutations caused by fluorescent lamp UV radiation.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of Salmonella tester strains to UV light from General Electric, Sylvania, and Philips fluorescent lamps.
- Analysis of bacterial survival rates and mutation spectra.
- Comparison of mutation profiles induced by coolwhite fluorescent lamps with those induced by far UV light (UVC).
Main Results:
- General Electric and Sylvania 15 W coolwhite fluorescent lamps emitted ~6% UV irradiance, causing lethal and mutagenic effects in Salmonella.
- Philips lamps emitted significantly lower UV levels, with no detectable lethal or mutagenic effects.
- UV light from coolwhite lamps induced specific mutation patterns (reversion profiles) in Salmonella, differing from spontaneous mutations and UVC mutagenesis, including elevated C to A transversions and a bias in tandem base substitutions.
Conclusions:
- UV light emission from certain fluorescent lamps poses a mutagenic risk.
- Variations in UV output among fluorescent lamp brands correlate with biological effects.
- Minimizing exposure to UV radiation from fluorescent lighting in homes and workplaces is recommended.
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