4 Potential Dangers to Consider When Using Halogen Light Bulbs

Many people use halogen light bulbs freely throughout their homes. Halogen light bulbs are among the most common types of light bulbs in the world today, and they do have several benefits. While generally considered safe, there are a few potential dangers that you need to consider when using halogen light bulbs.

1. Potential Burns

Because of the way that they are constructed, halogen light bulbs burn hotter than similar incandescent light bulbs. They have a smaller surface envelope to work with and therefore, tend to concentrate the heat when left on for long periods of time. When you leave a halogen light bulb on for a long time, you need to be careful not to touch it. More importantly, you will want to make sure that they are not within reach of small children while they are turned on.

Touching a halogen light bulb while it is on has been known to cause some serious burns on the skin. They could be serious enough to require medical treatment, especially when dealing with children.

2. Sun Burn

While it might seem strange to think about, some halogen bulbs have been known to cause sunburns on those that sit beneath their lighting for too long. The halogen bulb emits a certain level of UV rays when it is turned on. Therefore, if you sit within direct exposure to the bulb, you could be burned as a result. If you use halogen bulbs, you need to use them in moderation, much the same way you would treat being out in the sun.

3. Fire Danger

Another problem that you may have to worry about with halogen bulbs is that they could potentially cause a fire in some cases. As you know, they burn hotter than comparable incandescent or LED light bulbs. Because of this, they have been known to cause a fire when they touch the wrong surface for too long. For example, if the lamp falls over while the light is turned on, it could potentially catch the drapes, carpet, or some paper on fire. Small children have been known to drop a blanket or some other flammable object on the top of a lamp and leave it. While it would not ignite immediately, over time, it could potentially cause something to catch on fire.

4. Glass Hazard

The fact that the bulb is made out of glass can present you with a potential danger all by itself. This is not limited to only halogen bulbs, but it should be considered with any light bulb. If a light bulb breaks, the pieces of glass that it emits could potentially cause a dangerous situation. If someone were to come along and step on one, it could cut them severely. When dealing with any light bulb, make sure that you are very careful and prevent breaks. If a break happens, do not allow any breakage to go unswept for long.

Halogen Light Bulbs FAQ

What must you avoid when handling halogen bulbs?

Halogen bulbs are especially sensitive to the oils and salts that are naturally found on human skin. The bulb reacts with this and the heat becomes more concentrated.

This can reduce the lifespan of the bulb in the best-case scenario and in the worst-case scenario, the bulb will shatter.

Why were halogen bulbs banned?

Certain light bulbs, including halogen bulbs, were banned from being sold in the U.S. in 2023 by federal regulation. New regulations that are pushing toward more energy-efficient methods of lighting and powering buildings say that lights must produce more light energy than they use.

Halogen light bulbs produce illumination with electrical current that passes through a tungsten filament. This creates additional energy, which is an energy-inefficient design.

Are halogen bulbs safer than LED?

Halogen bulbs create heat to produce illumination. Heat can ignite insulation, fabrics, and other common household materials.

LED bulbs do not produce heat to produce light. They do not get hot and this makes them safer than halogen bulbs.

Are halogen lights better for your eyes?

Halogen lights produce heat, UV radiation, and bright light. It is never a good idea to stare at any light bulb, and looking for a long time at a halogen bulb will cause damage to your eyes.

As far as daily illumination, warm light is said to be better for the eyes. Any light bulb that does not produce UV light is also said to be bad for your eyesight.

This means that halogen lights are worse for your eyes than bulbs capable of producing warm illumination, such as LED and incandescent bulbs.

What is the best replacement for halogen lights?

If you want to replace halogen lights with bulbs that are more energy-efficient, LED bulbs are a good choice.