cancer?

[reedrodz]

Hi guys, does anyone know if metal halide lamps can cause cancer?

 

[airinhere]

Yes. Especially dual 250 watt units with se 20K XM bulbs. If you have those, give them to me and I will dispose of them properly.

(Although the dual ended ones actually do emit unhealthy amounts of UV radiation and need to be filtered through glass.)

 

[reedrodz]

why is that airinhir? what do you have in your system?

 

[airinhere]

I have 2 90 gal tanks with dual 250 SE 20k bulbs. I am looking to get another similar setup for my 120 gal anemone tank I am setting up.

The UV radiation that is emited by DE type bulbs is screened out by the glass they are protected by. If you are looking at a retrofit kit or a chopshop lighting setup, make sure that there is glass covering that type of bulb. They are frequently also called HQI bulbs.

 

[shiveley]

umm, it really should not be a concern unless you plan on basking under the lights...which isn't normally recommended under most circumstances. the amount of exposure to the light emitted from your bulbs during regular tank maintenance and upkeep is very limited; you stand a significantly greater risk at getting skin cancer from exposure to the sun than you do your reef lighting...

it's really not even a remote possibility, unless you plan on using your MH setup as the main overhead light source in your home. silly rabbit.

 

[airinhere]

yeah, what he said.

 

[kevin95695]

So it's safe to tan at home, then?

 

[matttaylor]

Only if... wait, that will get me banned...how about... no that will get me banned as well. Dang child friendly websites.

 

[reedrodz]

i hope everyones MH lights is screened by a glass covering...

 

[Sparkss]

Only need that if they are DE (and not already UV shielded.. some DEs actually are now). All SEs already have a UV coating/layer on them. Also using a non-uv shielded piece of glass over a DE is pretty much useless (unless it is a UV coated DE.. but there are only 2 or 3 of those out there).