Wakitha Griffin Responds to New Skin Cancer Study

NEW YORK, NY, August 09, 2012

U.S. News reports that a new study, published in Photochemistry and Photobiology, reveals the danger of UV exposure from compact fluorescent light bulbs. A major component of the green movement, these environmentally-friendly light bulbs may emit damaging UV rays due to cracks in their phosphor coating. Wakitha Griffin, a dermatologist, believes that further study is needed before individuals begin to worry about dangerous exposure from these bulbs.

Miriam Rafailovich, who works at the Garcia Center of Polymers and Engineered Interfaces at Stony Brook University as a professor of materials science and engineering and director of the program, explains that these cracks are most likely due to the irregular shape of the bulbs. She also notes that the coating itself is brittle, which has probably contributed to the defects that the research team found.

"Each compact fluorescent bulb has a phosphor coating applied to its narrow glass tubing. The coating is designed to both enhance the bulb's luminescence capacity while at the same time absorbing UV radiation that would otherwise be emitted," reports the article. Without consistent coating, these UV rays can escape and, ultimately, harm the individuals in close proximity.

In fact, the study asserts that skin cells that are exposed to the radiation emitted by these defective bulbs undergo similar damage as those that are damaged by UV rays from the sun.

Despite the compelling nature of this study, Dr. Wakitha Griffin notes that these results apply to skin cells that are located less than one foot away from the bulb. Because this is a very atypical situation, she believes that the actual danger that these findings pose the general public is, as of yet, uncertain; however, she does not think that this is an issue about which individuals should concern themselves just yet.

"Unless there are overwhelming case reports of sun damage from fluorescent light bulbs, I would be extremely cautious about the suggestion that household light bulbs increase the risk of skin cancer," states Dr. Wakitha Griffin. "If this is the case, everyone would have skin cancer. I would not want the public to be misled and start wearing wide brimmed hats inside their homes."

Dr. Griffin agrees with Dr. William Ting, who asserts that a simple, daily sunscreen application should protect individuals against such minor threats, including UV exposure that occurs when walking to and from the car. By incorporating sunscreen into daily skincare routines, individuals can guard against both traditional sun exposure and more unexpected UV damage, such as that discovered by Rafailovich and the rest of her team.

ABOUT:

Wakitha Griffin is a dermatologist who runs a practice in the state of Georgia. Through her work, Dr. Wakitha Griffin assists patients in detecting, treating, and preventing dermatological conditions. Additionally, she creates targeted patient care plans based upon researched diagnoses and individual patient needs. As such, Dr. Wakitha Griffin is an important part of Georgia's healthcare community.