Today’s leading grocers understand that ultraviolet (UV) rays from fluorescent lighting will degrade the nutritional quality of meats, dairy products, produce and baked goods. Recent published studies have shown, for example, that milk kept in the dairy case for 24 hours under fluorescent light can lose as much as 50% of its vitamin A and riboflavin. These same negative UV affects apply to all cheeses and other dairy products, as well as turning fats used in rancid, resulting in an off-flavor.

A newly developed retrofit lighting system from technology company NaturaLux™ significantly reuces the effects on UV lighting on food, while delivering a more comfortable, dynamic visual environment for shoppers. “Our proprietary UV filters actually stiumulate customers to shop longer without the typical visual fatigue,” said Kevin Kirschner. “The easier it is for shoppers to find products, read labels and inspect merchandise, the greater their overall shopping experience will be.”

NaturaLux’s new technology is about to change the way Americans light their retail stores and environments. “This provides a perfect opportunity to add the benefits of pure light correction while addressing potential hazards associated with advanced fluorescent systems in order to keep people healthy and safe,” explained Kirschner, whose company, Inspired Concepts, Inc., invented the hi-tech NaturaLux solution to lighting health risks.

The U.S. Congress has passed, and the President has signed, legislation mandating the phase-out of conventional incandescent bulbs starting in 2012 as part of initiatives to reduce global warming. Many states are adopting or have implemented their own “bulb-bans” over the last 12 months.

But today, more and more scientists and healthcare professionals, like Kirschner, are questioning the impact of this end of the traditional light bulb—and encouraging accompanying hi-tech measures to avoid future health risks.

“Fluorescent lighting is not really new technology; in fact it is over 50 years old,” said Kirschner. “Millions of fluorescent light tubes and bulbs already exist in offices, factories, workshops, homes, schools, universities, airports, cafes and hospitals. Over the years they have been proven to be more cost-effective and reliable than standard incandescent bulbs”.

So, What’s the Problem?
All fluorescent lights, including the new compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) contain mercury, a neurotoxin that can cause kidney and brain damage. They also emit UV rays. UV exposure is known to form non-melanoma and melanoma cancers, premature aging (freckling, fine wrinkling and dilatation of capillaries), cataract formation and autoimmune system disorders,” Kirschner explained.

Many patients with lupus and fibromyalgia—estimated at roughly 1.5–2 million nationwide—routinely experience adverse affects from fluorescent light sources. Statistics indicate that 80% to 90% of lupus patients are women and is even more prevalent among African-Americans, Hispanics and Asians. Lupus facilitators report that some of those who suffer from lupus, after being under fluorescent lighting for just 20–30 minutes, physically collapse from the effects of the UV rays.

It is also recognized that people who suffer from migraines, scleroderma, porphyria, vitiligo, attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyper-activity disorder, autism and Irlen’s syndrome are negatively affected by fluorescent lighting. It is not uncommon for individuals without diagnosed illnesses to experience skin rashes, disorientation, headaches, blurred vision and dizziness from prolonged exposure.

What is the solution? How can we slow-down global warming without causing human suffering?

“It is imperative that the government resolves the growing panic within the enormous number of people who experience ill-effects from fluorescent bulbs,” stated Kirschner. “Associations and groups representing Lupus and other sufferers are forming consortiums to encourage federal, state and local lawmakers to mandate protection for those who suffer from the ill-effects caused by fluorescent lighting.”

“The solution,” he continued, “is to eliminate the UV rays emitted by fluorescent lighting. We believe the answer is NaturaLux.” NaturaLux Filters are patented lighting filters that address the most common fluorescent-related health issues by:

• Absorbing harmful UV rays
• Eliminating glare that causes headaches and eyestrain
• Color balancing and color correcting light from fluorescents

NaturaLux Filters are currently available for 2’, 4’ and 8’ linear fluorescent fixtures. A CFL version of the filter is in its final development stage for home and office use.

Mr. Kirschner is available to answer questions and explain this new technology in more detail. He may be reached at 951.283.9572. For more information, contact Lynzi Straub at 858.720.9111 extension 206.