Dear Karen,

When I moved in to this house three years ago, I changed all the lighting because it was all fluorescent, even in the living room. I haven't been able to find full spectrum lighting until recently, when I saw some advertised in the Friends of the Earth magazine.

I bought them. They are also energy saving. However I didn't realise until reading the literature a bit more closely that they are also fluorescent. I'm confused now. In your opinion, do I have a healthy product or not? They are said to be beneficial for sufferers of seasonal affective disorder. Thanks,

- M.E.

Karen's reply:

Whether it's full spectrum or not, fluorescent lighting is still fluorescent lighting, with all it's inherent health hazards. Or put another way - I wouldn't have it in my home. It's always been a mystery to me that these lights are sold to help relieve S.A.D. when other safer types of bright lighting will work equally well.

Friend of the Earth have an excellent reputation so maybe they'd consider making yo