Coil uvb bulbs

[gregcalverley0327]

I know they are bad for tortoises, is for all tortoises including adults? I'm sure it would be but just curious also why are bad for them? Not sure if someone knows the reason or not an was curious

 

[crocididdle]

it has been shown to cause blindness and hurts their eyes i have been told. but i imagine it would be just as risky for adults as well

 

[Yvonne G]

I don't know for sure, but this is what I've heard...the bulb sends concentrated UV rays out the end of the bulb. This causes something akin to snow blindness in baby tortoises. If you mount the bulb horizontally, like in an aquarium hood, the problem isn't there.

I don't know if it effects adult eyes or not. The bulbs have supposedly been fixed and are now ok to use, however, there was never a recall, so you don't know if you have an old bulb or a new one.

 

[wellington]

Ditto with what emysemys has said. Now though, I wouldn't take the risk. If fact why would you want too.

 

[Moozillion]

I've check several sites, and they basically say the same thing. The light from compact fluorescent bulbs is too concentrated and too intense for eyes. It causes Photo-kerato-conjunctivitis. (that's medical Latin meaning "eye inflammation caused by light"). It's similar to snow-blindness and the eye burns that arc welders get if they have insufficient eye protection.

There are increasing reports of humans developing cataracts and pterygium after long-term exposure to compact fluorescent lights.

 

[gregcalverley0327]

Thanks everyone I don't use them I was just curious also are they bad for all reptiles then? And if using a aquarium type fixture there ok to use?

 

[wellington]

I don't know about all reptiles, but they are not to be used for chameleons. So, I would say don't use them for anyone. Also, like stated and I had run across a study some time ago on the net, that the ones being made for command house hold lamps are bad for people and causing problems. If I were you, stay away from any coil type bulb and then that worry is gone!

 

[gregcalverley0327]

Yeah I've never used them especially after joining the forum thanks for the replys