PHOSPHOROUS IN LIGHT BULBS - There is a lot of speculation that phosphorus in fluorescent lights is dangerous because it can cause adverse reactions such as kidney damage and osteoporosis if encountered too often. The phosphorus commonly used in these materials either reacts with oxygen quickly or is otherwise rendered inert, making them effectively harmless to humans. Phosphorus should not be confused with "phosphors," which is instead any substance that exhibits luminescence. Phosphorus, though, is a phosphor and does exhibit this luminescence. Sometimes, the phosphor coating on the inside of fluorescent lights includes phosphorus in the metallic salt lining the inside of the light bulb. These coatings produce light by having particles of radiation hit the coating from the inside of the tube, causing them to fluoresce. Blue phosphorus is the most commonly used type of light-emitting diode (LED).

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The Use of Phosphorous in Light Bulbs

By John Mack Freeman

Phosphorus, from the Greek meaning "light-bringer," is an element commonly used in light bulbs.

However, it should not be confused with "phosphors," which is instead any substance that exhibits luminescence.

Phosphorus, though, is a phosphor and does exhibit this luminescence.

Fluorescent Light

Sometimes, the phosphor coating on the inside of fluorescent lights includes phosphorus in the metallic salt lining the inside of the light bulb.

These coatings produce light by having particles of radiation hit the coating from the inside of the tube, causing them to fluoresce.

LED Technology

Blue phosphorus is the most commonly used type of light-emitting diode (LED). To produce white light (as an alternative to fluorescent light), blue phosphorus LEDs are used with energized yellow phosphorus.

Danger

There is a lot of speculation that phosphorus is dangerous because it can cause adverse reactions such as kidney damage and osteoporosis if encountered too often.

The phosphorus commonly used in these materials either reacts with oxygen quickly or is otherwise rendered inert, making them effectively harmless to humans.

John Mack Freeman began work in 2009 as a freelance writer with a focus on articles in health and wellness and contemporary arts and entertainment. He has been published through various websites, specializing in health care and craft-related topics. Freeman earned his Bachelor of Arts in English from Shorter College.

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