Background and purpose: Despite growing use of energy-saving lamps or compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), there are concerns about ultraviolet radiation in their output. In this study, the output of CFLs available in Iranian market in the range of infrared, visible, and ultraviolet were measured and the possibility of hydroxyl radical production by their radiation was evaluated.
Materials and methods: The spectrum and light intensity of 33 CFLs were recorded by a spectrometer and radiometers equipped with special infrared, visible, and ultraviolet sensors. The possibility of hydroxyl radical production by three lamps with highest ultraviolet emission intensity was examined and fluorimetric signal of the terephthalic acid dosimeters was evaluated. Parameters such as luminescence efficiency, spectrum integral and the output percentage of lamps were determined in different areas of the spectrum and compared with photopeak curve of human vision.
Results: In lamps with identical powers, there was no significant difference between the intensity of visible and infrared lights. In ultraviolet radiation, the intensity of daylight CFLs was twice as much as soft white CFLs, which had greater intensity compared to incandescent lights.  The infrared intensity in incandescent lamps is ten times more than CFLs. The chemical dosimetry showed that lamps produced by three manufacturers were able to generate hydroxyl radicals in short distances and during long radiations.
Conclusion: CFLs’ radiation is considered to be safe at more than one meter distance. However, at shorter distances and long exposures, some lamps may cause damage to eyes and skin due to ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, it is recommended to monitor specifications of CFLs released into the market.