Can Neon Signs Emit Harmful X-Ray Radiation?

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    Neon X rays X-rays
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential for conventional neon signs to emit harmful x-ray radiation, focusing on the safety of prolonged exposure to such signs in close proximity.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about whether neon signs can emit harmful x-rays.
  • Another participant asserts that neon lights do not generate x-rays, referencing an external explainer.
  • A different participant claims that neon signs do emit x-rays, albeit not efficiently.
  • Questions are raised about the safety of being near a neon sign for extended periods, specifically regarding distance and duration of exposure.
  • A participant mentions their specific situation of being 2 meters away from a neon sign for 8 hours a day, seeking clarification on potential harm.
  • One participant declines to answer a question related to legal liability concerning exposure to neon signs.
  • A suggestion is made to close the thread, with the option to reopen if further discussion is warranted.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the safety of neon signs regarding x-ray emission, with multiple competing views presented about their potential to emit harmful radiation.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes uncertainties about the definitions of "near," "long," and "harmful," as well as the implications of legal liability in relation to health concerns.

Trifux
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Hello guys. I'm interested about wether or not a conventional neon sign such as this one could emit xray that could be harmful.

Thanks a lot :)
 
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The last thing you have to worry about with a neon light is holding your hand up to it and seeing the skeleton inside, @Trifux. They don't generate photons in the x-ray range, as this explainer notes:

1652962356312.png


https://www.explainthatstuff.com/howneonlampswork.html
 
Neon signs emit x-rays, as does most everything operating at high voltage. They are not, however, a particularly efficient source of x-rays;
 
Thanks guys. So could it be harmful to be near the neon sign I posted for long periods of time every day?
 
How near is near? How long is long? How harmful is harmful?
 
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This sign that you can see in the picture is just below my office window so I'm basically sitting like 8h a day at about 2 meters away from the sign which is functioning the whole day. Just curious if this can cause any harm of any kind because of the long exposure.
 
Then I will not answer that question, because it's a legal liability question.
 
Probably best to close this thread here. As with all thread closures, we can reopen it if the closing is premature and there is more to say - just PM any mentor to ask.
 

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