Fluorescent Lighting

Fluorescent lighting feels uncomfortable because it subconsciously triggers the fear of an impending tornado or thunderstorm, some say. This is because fluorescent bulbs emit a lot of the green portion of the visible light spectrum— the same color the sky turns before a severe weather event. 

Meteorologist Scott Bachmeier at UW Madison explains that thunderstorms typically happen later in the day, when the sun is starting to create a reddish tinge in the sky. Thunderclouds are blue, and when giant blue clouds are illuminated by red light, the sky appears green. Many people have seen the sky turn eerily greenish before a tornado strikes.

In addition to emitting more green light than other types of lightbulbs, (which emit a smooth spectrum of color, appearing warm white when added together), fluorescent lightbulbs also flicker at a high frequency, emit UV rays, and even the modern compact versions (CFLs) contain mercury. 

Improving natural daylight and using warm white LEDs and incandescent bulbs are a much healthier choice at home, and you won’t feel spooky on any level. 

First photo of the most beautifully lit kitchen by @matthieusalvaing. Design by @morganesezalory. Via @houseandgardenuk. Second photo (infographic) by COMSOL.