UV light fear over 'green' bulbs

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) cautions against being closer than 30cm (1ft) to some compact fluorescent (cfl) bulbs for long.

But it added there is no evidence that such bulbs pose a cancer threat.

Enclosed CFL lights - where the coil is covered like a traditional bulb - are safer, it advised.

The agency says that UV light equivalent to being outside on a sunny day is being emitted by some bulbs, but if the coil is not visible the issue is prevented.

The HPA said it was prompted to investigate the bulbs after being approached by groups representing people who suffer from light sensitivity issues