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I just installed a 10% UVB light. I have it in a normal conical lamp (as per the instructions), but it is a longer light and so about 4 inches of it sticks out. Is it safe for me to always be in the same room as the light? I have heard that UVB can cause cataracts and other damage. I'm wearing sunglasses right now until I hear from you all!

I have both enclosures set up in my living room and we're always in there. I'm prone to migraines so I do think it triggers them sometimes but I don't look directly at the lights. I suppose prolonged exposure could cause problems but I doubt it'd be any different than staring into the sun, which of course, you shouldn't do.

If you're that worried about it you could move the lamp so it faces the wall.

UVB rays can damage eyes (damage is cumulative over time), and if you're using the Reptisun 10.0 compact flourescent, the package specifically warns not to look directly at it. I'm using one in an 8.5-inch reflective dome and it is longer than the length of the dome. I have clamped to the side of the tank and facing away from me so I don't look directly at it. If you're using a smaller reflective dome and are concerned, you could always get a larger reflective dome (you can get fairly cheap ones at places like Home Depot).

Also, if there's a barrier, like glass, acrylic or plexiglass, that should block the rays. I recently put in a longer UVB bulb as well, but I don't stare at it, especially when I'm a couple of feet away.

I have very bad eye sight and I didnt know that UVB lights could damage like this. Now Im concerned about it because I live in a townhouse and my living room is basically connected jointly to my dining room and kitchen. My turtle can only be in the living room and her bulbs are seen through out the house because there is just no escaping it. Its in the lamp but as you turn around the tank, your going to see it, theres no way not to even though its pointing to her dock.

What I dont understand is, how can it be so harmful if it doesnt even produce anything close to what the sun produces in UV? If your standing outside in the sun, wouldnt it be much worse? On the instructions on my bulb, it never mentioned it being harmful.

Butterfly, I wouldn't be overly concerned--you're right in that the sun is far stronger and can do far more damage than a UVB light, especially a UVB light at a distance. (I think the warning on the Reptisun I mentioned above is for standing close to the light and looking at it--the rays from that bulb are supposed to extend 20 inches.) And, UVB output diminishes over time, in some bulbs faster than others.

If you're still really concerned and have a larger tank, one alternative to eliminate the possibility of looking at the bulb is to get a mercury vapor light and hang it on a lampstand in a reflector dome. I do this with one set-up I have--the MVB gives off far more stronger UVB rays than regular UVB lights, but since it's hanging, the bulb itself isn't visible--only the light coming from it.