By Kotaro Ito, Staff Writer
As you stare at the ceilings in Fountain Valley High School (FVHS), it’s clear that gleaming white light bulbs are illuminating the whole school. Perhaps, it’s time to ask why the school uses such lights.
FVHS utilizes fluorescent tube lights as a source of light for their classrooms and offices. Based on research, the fluorescent lights function as a result of mercury vapors being ionized inside glass tubes which cause the tubes to glow to their magnificent white.
Fluorescent lights mostly seen at schools and office spaces can cause damage to the body or impair one’s ability to see according to an article by Blink Eye Care.
“Exposure to harsh fluorescent lighting can cause eye strain and blurred vision. The longer you’re exposed to the light, the more likely you’ll experience the problem,” said Blink Eye Care.
The effects of the fluorescent lights make us wonder what kind of critical problems are within the school offices that overrule the student body’s mental and physical health.
“I am guessing it is a cost issue. The school was built long before LED lights became important. In order to change the lighting, I am guessing they would have to restructure the entire system,” said Marci McLean-Crawford, FVHS nurse.
In addition to that, fluorescent tube lights are longer lasting and disseminate less heat compared to incandescent bulbs, which are seen primarily in households with dimmer yellow colors.
“I definitely think there is room for improvement, however with most things in schools, it comes down to money. It would be a huge expense to redo structures. Looking into different spectrums of fluorescent light could be useful,” said McLean-Crawford.
