Thursday, September 1, 2016

Your Office's Fluorescent Lights Really Are Draining Your Will To Work


I met my eye specialist this weekend due to constant redness in my eyes and sudden sensitivity towards any bright lights. Since I already wear prescribed glasses with anti glare coating and maintain a good distance from the desktop monitor, it was least likely due to continuous contact with screen at office or home. 
My Doctor revealed that it's due to lack of natural lighting in my office environment also, excessive use of artificial lighting with barely a few feet of distance. (I stand at 6 feet and I can literally touch the ceiling by extending hands) 
Later, I read a few articles stating the same. Now, I am wondering if we, as an organization consider these aspects while renting out any office space. 
I am stating 'renting' because in my previous office which was owned by TCS, had large glass windows, sufficient distance of lights, and pleasant ambiance. 
Below is an article stating the same: Article Link
Excerpts: 
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There are a number of negative health effects that have been linked to working under fluorescent lights that are theorized to be caused by this body chemistry mechanism such as:
  • Migraines
  • Eye strain
  • Problems sleeping, due to melatonin suppression
  • Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder or depression
  • Endocrine disruption and poor immune systems
  • Female hormonal/menstrual cycle disruption
  • Increases in breast cancer rates and tumor formation
  • Stress/Anxiety, due to cortisol suppression
  • Sexual development/maturation disruption
  • Obesity
  • Agoraphobia (anxiety disorder)
  • The other main cause of problems with fluorescent lights is that they flicker. Fluorescent light bulbs contain a gas that gets excited and glows when electricity is passed through this. The electricity is not constant. It is controlled by an electric ballast that pulses on and off really fast. To most people it is so fast that it looks like it is on constantly. However, some people can perceive the flicker even if they can't consciously see it. This can cause:
  • Migraines
  • Headaches
  • Eye strain
  • Stress/Anxiety
Additionally fluorescent bulbs, especially cheaper bulbs, may have a green cast to them making all the colors in your environment drabber and sickly looking.

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