Die Entsorgung von Altlampen erfolgt nach dem Gesetz über Elektro- und Elektronik-Altgeräte (ElektroG) seit 2005 weitgehend in Verantwortung der Hersteller. Dabei sind für die Erfassung der Altlampen aus den privaten Haushalten primär die öffentlich-rechtlichen Entsorger verantwortlich. Zusätzlich haben verschiedene Hersteller freiwillige Rücknahmesysteme aufgebaut. Die Funktionalität der meisten Gasentladungslampen ist an die Verwendung von Quecksilber als Leuchthilfsmittel gekoppelt. Gerade wegen ihres Quecksilbergehaltes sollten die anfallenden Altlampen möglichst vollständig und bruchsicher erfasst und sachgerecht behandelt werden. LED enthalten kein Quecksilber, fallen jedoch ebenfalls unter die Regelungen des ElektroG und müssen daher nach Gebrauch - wie die Gasentladungslampen - getrennt erfasst und verwertet werden. Ziel des durchgeführten Projektes war die Ermittlung des Standes bei der Entsorgung von Gasentladungslampen (GEL) und anderen Lampenarten wie Leuchtdioden (LED) sowie die Erarbeitung von Empfehlungen für eine ggf. sinnvolle Optimierung. Glühlampen waren nicht Gegenstand des Vorhabens. Angesichts der derzeit anfallenden sehr geringen Mengen von LED im Abfallbereich kann der Status Quo der Entsorgung als ausreichend angesehen werden. Allerdings erscheint es aufgrund des starken zukünftigen Mengenzuwachses bei LED-Lampen notwendig, schon jetzt Verfahren zur Separierung von LED bzw. zur Rückgewinnung von enthaltenen Wertstoffen (strategische Metalle) zu entwickeln.
In order to facilitate lamp waste treatment, maximize the recovery rates and improve working environment, an automated, sealed sorting unit will be required. The concept of the ILLUMINATE proposal is to develop automated systems that are able to effectively sort bulbs into different classes and remove foreign objects. This is essential for an economically viable process. The unit will be based on a sensor system combined with self-learning processing unit and will be able to recognize shapes, colours materials, and/or weight. To remedy the current situation where there is little or no separation of mercury containing from non mercury containing materials from bulbs at end of life, the ILLUMINATE project will develop methods and processes for two main areas of the supply chain: collection of the waste streams and sorting of the waste. Once the identification and separation has been achieved the materials from both mercury containing and non mercury containing waste streams can then be handled by the appropriate processing steps in order to cost effectively recycle the waste bulbs. This proposal aims at enhancing the current recycling chain by providing a complete process from collection to pre-processing of waste lamps. In addition to sorting the lamps into proper fractions, the sorting unit will be able to register the number and types of lamps (or other objects) passing through the unit, thereby enabling well-defined statistics on treated lamps and process disturbances due to non-lamp objects received. The statistics provide a basis for more accurate waste treatment costs, other compensation models for producer responsibility, market/sales data and a basis for production planning.
Die Entsorgung von Altlampen erfolgt nach dem Gesetz über Elektro- und Elektronik-Altgeräte (ElektroG) seit 2005 weitgehend in Verantwortung der Hersteller. Dabei sind für die Erfassung der Altlampen aus den privaten Haushalten primär die öffentlich-rechtlichen Entsorger verantwortlich. Zusätzlich haben verschiedene Hersteller freiwillige Rücknahmesysteme aufgebaut. Die Funktionalität der meisten Gasentladungslampen ist an die Verwendung von Quecksilber als Leuchthilfsmittel gekoppelt. Gerade wegen ihres Quecksilbergehaltes sollten die anfallenden Altlampen möglichst vollständig und bruchsicher erfasst und sachgerecht behandelt werden. LED enthalten kein Quecksilber, fallen jedoch ebenfalls unter die Regelungen des ElektroG und müssen daher nach Gebrauch - wie die Gasentladungslampen - getrennt erfasst und verwertet werden. Ziel des durchgeführten Projektes war die Ermittlung des Standes bei der Entsorgung von Gasentladungslampen (GEL) und anderen Lampenarten wie Leuchtdioden (LED) sowie die Erarbeitung von Empfehlungen für eine ggf. sinnvolle Optimierung. Glühlampen waren nicht Gegenstand des Vorhabens. Angesichts der derzeit anfallenden sehr geringen Mengen von LED im Abfallbereich kann der Status Quo der Entsorgung als ausreichend angesehen werden. Allerdings erscheint es aufgrund des starken zukünftigen Mengenzuwachses bei LED-Lampen notwendig, schon jetzt Verfahren zur Separierung von LED bzw. zur Rückgewinnung von enthaltenen Wertstoffen (strategische Metalle) zu entwickeln. Veröffentlicht in Texte | 03/2015.
Ausgangslage: Die Beleuchtung in privaten Haushalten erfolgt zunehmend mit Gasentladungslampen wie stabförmigen Leuchtstofflampen und Kompaktleuchtstofflampen (umgangssprachlich Energiesparlampen). Hintergrund ist der durch EU-Recht eingeleitete, schrittweise Ausstieg aus der energieineffizienten Glühlampentechnik. Die Funktionalität der meisten Gasentladungslampen - insb. der stabförmigen Leuchtstofflampen und der Kompaktleuchtstofflampen - ist dabei an die Verwendung von Quecksilber als Leuchthilfsmittel gekoppelt. Die Entsorgung der quecksilberhaltigen Altlampen erfolgt entsprechend dem ElektroG seit 2005 in der Verantwortung der Hersteller, wobei die öffentlich rechtlichen Entsorger für die Erfassung aus den privaten Haushalten primär verantwortlich sind. Zusätzlich haben verschiedene Hersteller ein freiwilliges Rücknahmesystem aufgebaut. Inzwischen werden jährlich in Deutschland über 100 Mio. Stück Kompaktleuchtstofflampen verkauft - mit steigender Tendenz. Infolge der zunehmenden Verwendung dieser Lampen sowie deren langer Lebensdauer fallen zeitversetzt vermehrt Altlampen an, die aufgrund der Quecksilbergehalte sorgfältig und bruchsicher zu erfassen und zu verwerten sind. Ziel des Vorhabens: Ziel des Vorhabens ist die Ermittlung des Standes bei der Entsorgung von Gasentladungslampen. Diese umfasst die Sammlung der Altlampen bei den verschiedenen Anfallstellen unter Darstellung der Erfassungssysteme und der Abhollogistik einschließlich der Umladeprozesse bis hin zur Behandlung und Verwertung. Betrachtet werden sollen dabei insbesondere die (potenziell) entstehenden Emissionen von Quecksilber. Auf dieser Basis sollen Empfehlungen zur Optimierung des bestehenden Systems der Erfassung, Behandlung und Verwertung der Altlampen abgeleitet werden. Methodik: Methodisch sollen die jeweiligen Akteure Gelegenheit zur Mitwirkung bei der Ermittlung des Standes der Entsorgung erhalten sowie ggf. eigene, individuelle Aktionen zugrunde gelegt werden. Es sollen die ...
Fuer die Verwertung von Leuchtstofflampen ist das Kapp-Trennverfahren am besten geeignet. Ausgehend von der Ermittlung der Zusammensetzung der Leuchtstofflampen und der Bestimmung ihrer Quecksilbergehalte mittels Fliessinjektion-Kaltdampf-Atomabsortionsspektrometrie wurde die Reinigung des Mischglasbruches optimiert. Nach Abtrennen der Lampenenden, des Leuchtstoffes, der magnetischen sowie der Al- und Pb-haltigen Bestandteile wird der Mischglasbruch nasschemisch und mechanisch mittels rotierender Siebe gereinigt. Durch anschliessende Faellung und Abtrennung des Quecksilbers und weiterer Schwermetalle als Sulfide sowie Konditionierung gelang eine deutliche Senkung des Quecksilberlevels. Seit dem Einsatz der zusaetzlichen Reinigungsstufen werden die Grenzwerte der TA. Siedlungsabfall sowie der Zuordnungswert Z 2 (10 mg Hg/kg) der LAGA-Richtlinie 40200 'Anforderungen an die stoffliche Verwertung von mineralischen Reststoffen/Abfaellen' stabil eingehalten oder unterschritten, im Eluat sogar der Zuordnungswert Z 1.2 (0,001 mg Hg/l). Die gereinigten Aluminiumsockelhuelsen werden einer Schrottverwertung zugefuehrt. Bei optimaler Prozessgestaltung koennen nach dieser Technologie bis zu 94 Prozent der Altlampen im geschlossenen Materialkreislauf gehalten und ein echtes Werkstoffrecycling mit Wiedereinsatz der Recyclingprodukte zur Leuchtstofflampenherstellung realisiert werden.
Ultraviolet radiation reaching the earth' surface is highly varying, temperally and spatially. Moreover, the intensity depends very strongly on wavelength with a sharp decrease below about 300-310 nm by several orders of magnitude over a range of a few nanometers. The observed downward trend of the ozone in the stratosphere changes the UV reaching the surface on a longterm basis. Due to the high natural variability and the spectral behaviour it is very difficult to measure the UV radiation reaching the ground accurately and even more so, to determine trends. For the accurate measurement of UV radiation it is proposed to use sunphotometers with filters at 310, 320 and 340nm with a bandwidth of 1, 2 and 4nm respectively. These instruments have viewing angles of the order of 5 to 10 degrees, depending on their use as instruments to measure direct solar irradiance or sky radiance. The calibration is performed in close co-operation with the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) in Berlin which has longstanding experience with this wavelength range and an accuracy of plus minus 0.5 Prozent is expected. From the measurement of the direct solar irradiance, the sky radiance in the almucantar at 10 degrees from the Sun and the radiance at two elevation angles in the vertical perpendicular to the Sun the 2 irrandiance on a horizonal surface (UV global radiation) can be calculated for the three wavelengths. The extrapolation to other wavelengths can be performed using atmospheric models for the calculation of the spectral radiance. From such spectral data the UV irradiance for any sensitivity curve (biological or instrumental) can be determined. It is expected that this method yields UV global radiation under clear sky conditions with an accuracy of by comparison with the data gathered by Bener in the sixties longer term trend might also be determined. The calibration of the Bener should be tracible as the standard lamps used are still available. The objective is the experimental determination and documentation of the anticipated long term trend of UV-B related to the depletion of stratospheric ozone. Measurements of direct solar irradiance and sky radiances (view angle of 20.) at four selected angles are performed during clear days with Precision UV-Filter Radiometers (PUV-FR) at 310, 320 and 340 nm. A cryogenic radiometer based calibration (cooperation with PTB, Berlin) guarantees an absolute accuracy of the PUV-FR. Leading Questions: How large is the expected trend in the UV global radiation and how is it related to the changes in stratospheric and tropospheric ozone content? What is the absolute accuracy whith which these trends can be determined? What is the relevance of trends compared to natural variability?
What does visible light mean? Light refers to the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Most people can perceive wavelengths of between about 400 nanometres ( nm ) and 780 nm visually. The principal natural radiation source for light is the sun. Light can also be harmful if certain effect thresholds are exceeded. Light or "visible light" refers to the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum – that is, the range of wavelengths that trigger brightness and colour perception in humans. It lies between UV and infrared radiation. Light and the eye The wavelengths of light penetrate as far as the retina in the eye and the dermis in the skin. Most people can perceive wavelengths of between about 400 nanometres ( nm ) and 780 nm visually. Rather than being clear cut, the boundaries of the visible region of the spectrum for humans exhibit fluid transitions. Moreover, a person's eyesight and sensitivity to light vary over their lifetime due to ageing processes in the eye. Especially for the short-wavelength section of the visible spectrum (blue light), the transparency of the lens decreases with age. The principal natural radiation source for light is the sun, but our everyday lives also feature a multitude of artificial light sources. Colour and wavelength* Colour Wavelength ( nm ) Violet ≈ 380 - 420 Blue ≈ 420 - 490 Green ≈ 490 - 575 Yellow ≈ 575 - 585 Orange ≈ 585 - 650 Red ≈ 650 - 780 *This table is for indicative purposes only. The transitions between the colours are fluid. The significance of light Light is not only responsible for allowing us to see our surroundings but also has other biological effects and influences the sleep/wake cycle, among other things. Light has long been used for medical and cosmetic purposes. Many lasers and IPL devices ("flash lamps") operate with different wavelengths of light. For example, light with a relatively high proportion of blue light is used in light therapy devices or daylight lamps to treat "winter depression" or to set the "body clock" when everyday life involves little natural light. There is a risk of damage, especially to the eyes and possibly also to the skin, if the intensity of light exceeds certain effect thresholds. State of 2026.08.11
Permanent hair removal (epilation) Lasers or intense pulsed light sources ( IPL ; also known as flash lamps) are used to reduce unwanted hair growth permanently or at least for a long time. The method works best when the hair contains a lot of melanin and the skin contains little melanin ( i.e. dark hair and light to medium skin tones). Professional providers must be qualified. The Federal Office for Radiation Protection provides tips for consumers for both professional and home use. Epilation with IPL device Source: Yakobchuk Olena/stock.adobe.com Lasers or intense pulsed light sources are used to reduce unwanted hair growth permanently or at least for a long time. In these procedures, the structures in the hair follicle responsible for hair growth are impaired in their function or destroyed by strong heating. However, the techniques involve risks. Users should therefore obtain detailed information before using the technology and proceed with extreme caution. Light sources used In use are mostly powerful lasers of the highest laser classes (3B and 4) intense pulsed light sources ( IPL ; also known as flash lamps) Laser devices Lasers deliver collimated radiation with high energy and power density. Lasers with a wavelength of 810 nm are often used for permanent hair removal. IPL systems In the other hand, the radiation from IPL devices is broadband ( i.e. it consists of many wavelengths). Their spectrum usually covers wavelengths from 250 nm ( UV -C) to 1,400 nm (infrared A). This spectrum is typically narrowed by upstream filters to the part of the visible light from about 550 nm and parts of infrared. These wavelengths penetrate deep enough into the skin to reach the target structures in the hair follicle. The pulsation produces a high irradiance for a short period of time ( approx. 20–100 ms per flash), which increases the biological effect compared to unpulsed irradiation. The effects (and possibly also the side effects) are comparable to laser radiation in many respects. IPL systems are mainly used in medicine and cosmetics. Tips for consumers The use of lasers or other strong optical radiation sources by professional providers is currently (see above ) not restricted to persons with medical training. A medical supervision of the treatment is also not mandatory at present. The Federal Office for Radiation Protection therefore advises: Professional application Before the treatment, you should inform yourself about the professional qualification of the professional provider as well as about the effects, possible side effects, and risks of the treatment. The responsible and professional application of high-energy radiation sources on humans requires a well-founded and comprehensive education of customers and patients. Home use If you use hair removal equipment yourself, follow the instructions for use and the manufacturer’s recommendations. If necessary, seek medical advice. State of 2026.08.11
Protection against visible light The eyes are of paramount importance in any consideration of the potential risks due to visible light. The body's warning and protection system performs an important protective function, as do appropriate sunglasses. Light-emitting products ( e.g. lamps and lamp systems, laser pointers) must adhere to safety standards. The eyes are of paramount importance in any consideration of the potential risks due to visible light, especially with regard to photochemical effects on the retina. Although thermal damage – that is, damage due to heating – is possible, this only occurs at higher irradiances. The body's warning and protection system Normally, people find it unpleasant to look at an (excessively) bright light source. It is not advisable to ignore this sensation and to deliberately look at a bright source of radiation from a short distance. This particularly applies to children, as the lenses of their eyes are more transparent to visible light (and to UV -A radiation) than those of adults. The iris performs an important protective function: it regulates the quantity of incident light by narrowing or widening the pupil, thereby protecting the eye against overstimulation (light or dark adaptation). Involuntary or intentional reactions such as head or eye movements can also help to protect the eyes against exposure to too much light. The blink reflex The blink reflex primarily protects the eye from drying out and from damage due to foreign bodies, but it is also triggered by exposure to bright light. That being said, a study carried out on behalf of the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health ( BAuA ) found that this reflex actually only occurred in a minority of subjects. Accordingly, its protective effect must not be overestimated. Sunglasses Appropriate sunglasses can not only protect the eyes against UV radiation and glare but also reduce the proportion of blue light reaching the retina. Safety of light-emitting products The manufacturer of a product must ensure that the product is safe for users if it is used as intended. Manufacturers base their safety assessments not only on laws such as the Product Safety Act (ProdSG) but also generally on relevant and, as far as possible, specific standards depending on the type of product. Lamps and lamp systems The photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems is governed by the standard DIN EN 62471, which assigns lamps and lamp systems to four risk groups. Risk groups for lamps and lamp systems Risk group Photobiological hazard 0 (exempt group) No risk 1 Low risk 2 Medium risk 3 High risk Not intended for general lighting There is no risk in the exempt group (group 0). Risk groups 1, 2 and 3 represent an increasing hazard potential. The precise requirements for assignment to each group are described in the standard, and an assessment is made of the risks due to ultraviolet radiation, the risks of photochemical and thermal hazards for the retina, and the risks due to infrared radiation. Most of the lamps used for general lighting fall within the exempt group or risk group 1. Some light-emitting diodes (LEDs) may also fall within risk group 2, as measurements by the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health ( BAuA ) have shown. Classification into risk groups is based on “normal behavioural limitations” (risk group 1) or “aversion responses” (risk group 2). Lamps in risk group 3 represent a hazard even in the event of brief or momentary exposure. Risk group 3 is therefore not intended for general lighting. Laser pointers Care should be taken when handling optical radiation sources such as laser pointers or laser torches (torches whose light can be focused into an extremely narrow beam). These devices should be kept out of the reach of children. On entering the eye, laser beams undergo additional focusing and can cause lasting damage. In the German market, only class 1, 1M, 2 or 2M lasers are approved for use as, or in, consumer products. However, inspections by the market surveillance authorities repeatedly encounter higher classes of lasers or products whose laser class is not correctly stated. Occupational safety Many people are exposed to natural or artificial optical radiation in the workplace. The legal regulations concerning occupational safety apply here. For example, with reference to European Directive 2006/25/EC , the Regulation to protect workers against risks arising from artificial optical radiation (OStrV) also stipulates binding limit values for the wavelengths of visible light with respect to workers. State of 2026.08.11
Light therapy with daylight lamps Light therapy using artificial sources is intended to compensate for a lack of natural sunlight. For example, powerful lamps are used to: bolster the sleep/wake cycle alleviate symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as "winter depression". In general, those using optical radiation for therapeutic purposes should not do so without consulting a doctor. Light not only allows us to see but also influences the level of endogenous messenger substances such as melatonin or serotonin in the blood. Light acts as a "timekeeper", setting our body clock, synchronising the human body with its environment, and influencing our mood. These responses are largely mediated by light-sensitive cells in the retina of the eye (photosensitive retinal ganglion cells). Blue light (wavelengths of around 480 nm ) is particularly effective. These wavelengths produce the strongest stimulation of the pigment melanopsin. In the light-sensitive ganglion cells, this pigment is involved in the process of synchronising the body with the day/night cycle. Artificial sources for light therapy Light therapy using artificial sources is intended to compensate for a lack of natural sunlight. For example, powerful lamps are used to: bolster the sleep/wake cycle alleviate symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as "winter depression". Comparison of illuminances Overcast summer’s day approx. 20,000 lx Overcast sky, midday in winter approx. 6,000 lx Office lighting approx. 500 lx General lighting in living spaces approx. 100 – 300 lx Light therapy generally uses very bright, powerful lamps with a "daylight white" colour temperature (6,500 kelvin) and illumination intensities (illuminances) of over 10,000 lux (lx), depending on the distance between the user and the lamp. The safety of the equipment – including with regard to photochemical retinal damage ("blue hazard") – is the responsibility of the manufacturer. The information provided by the manufacturer should clearly state that the device emits neither UV nor infrared radiation. Recommendations for use In general, those using optical radiation for therapeutic purposes should not do so without consulting a doctor. Although findings certainly exist that describe the positive effects of light therapy on various symptoms, for example in the case of "winter depression", the question of whether this form of therapy is proportionate and appropriate depends on the diagnosis and should be clarified with a doctor on a case-by-case basis. Caution is advised: in the event of diseases involving increased photosensitivity of the skin when taking medications that can cause photosensitivity of the skin ( e.g. some antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents or high-dose preparations of St. John’s Wort) in the event of eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts or retinal diseases (retinopathies). In those suffering from eye diseases, an ophthalmologist should first clarify whether light therapy using artificial radiation sources is appropriate. However, even people without eye diseases should avoid spending long periods of time looking into such a bright light source from a short distance. Labelling as medical devices Light therapy devices should be labelled as medical devices and used accordingly. Relatively strict requirements therefore apply to their efficacy and safety. In most cases, these are Class II a medical devices according to Directive 93/42/EEC concerning medical devices. Users should consult the manufacturer’s information and adhere to the operating instructions, especially in relation to the distance, duration and recommended time of application (usually in the morning). State of 2026.08.11
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