Blue light hazzard ~!~

[andyITA]

Hello, today I bought a light bulb T5 JBL SOLAR MARIN BLUE and I got a yellow note warning saying:

Caution !
The commercially available fluorescent tubesc containing the blue light agent DIAZO(421nm) which also found in JBL SOLAR Marin Blue can cause irreversible damage if in direct contact with the eyes.

- Avoid direct contact with the eyes over longer periods !
- Use only for aquarium lighting.
- Do not use as lighting for interior living spaces !

Is there anyone here able to tell us what is this warning about and what studies did prove that this agent really does this kind of eye damage and what does LONGER PERIODS Direct contact mean (1 h.....5 h.....20 h) etc

Till I bought this T5 bulb I had some PL bulbs half white half blue and had written on them (10 000k) and I used to stand by my aquarium for like 1-2 hours doing the aquascape and the lamp was in front of me ON mode. But I never really looked directly into it I just looked in the display.

Still I feel my eyes lately (2-3 weeks) very tired and I cant really tolerate artificial light as I used to. I went to the doctor and said that my eyes are ok and that I do not need glasses because on the test it results I have good eyesight.

Still for example some bulbs: ARCADIA ACTINIC BLUE do not have the same warning.

So I would be extremely greatful if anyone could really tell me what-s going on. I am on the edge of quiting this hobby because of this ! HELP !

 

[Lateralus]

Well sounds like its ok to look at the indirect lighting comming from the display tank just dont stare at the bulb. You shouldnt stare at the sun either but If its that concerning to you maybe get a new bulb.

 

[andyITA]

Well sounds like its ok to look at the indirect lighting comming from the display tank just dont stare at the bulb. You shouldnt stare at the sun either but If its that concerning to you maybe get a new bulb.

you are perfectly right...now I get it....it-s logical.
u can get your eyes damaged if you look directly to the sun for a long time or even if you look in the reflection of the sun an extended period of time.....
so....basically using it in an aquarium it is ok because you do not look into it, you look into the water.

 

[Narwhal82]

Short wavelength blue, violet(actinic), and ultraviolet lights are high energy and prolonged exposure can lead to cataracts in the human eye. Actinic and blue aquarium lighting should never be used for residential (i.e. uses other than directly over an aquarium) lighting applications.

The warnings are not required but are not a bad idea to prevent people from using the lights in situations where they may cause harm.

Unless you are spending time looking directly at the lamps they are not going to cause you any harm.

Andy