January 3, 2008 - ROSSLYN VA: The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has published LSD41-2007 UN2911 Labeling and Transportation of Lamps Containing Radioactive Substances. This NEMA Lighting Systems Division white paper provides guidance for marking transport packaging for lamps containing trace amounts of radioactive materials.
The vast majority of light bulbs, also called lamps by the lighting industry, do not contain any radioactive materials. Certain types, however, contain very small amounts of radioactive isotopes, which help to improve lamp ignition, lamp life, and lumen maintenance. The radioactivity hazard posed by these lamps is negligible and is similar to the levels of radioactive materials found in smoke alarms and some watches. Due to this presence, and not the risk, most transportation authorities, such as the U.S. Department of Transportation, require some manner of marking or labeling to indicate their presence.
LSD41-2007 UN2911 Labeling and Transportation of Lamps Containing Radioactive Substances may be downloaded at no charge by visiting NEMA's website.