Dangers

Light bulbs are sold according to the number of watts they use - the higher the number, the brighter the bulb is, and the more energy it uses. Despite getting hot, lightbulbs don't explode. However, the outer glass of a light bulb which has been on for some time is quite hot, and can cause minor burns, or the broken edges might cut the skin.
After hundreds of hours of operation the filament in the bulb eventually burns out and the light bulb no longer works. The light bulb then needs replacing. It is necessary to be careful in replacing the lightbulb. First, the switch for the light fixture needs to be turned off or the cable disconnected. This is because electricity flowing into the socket where the metallic part of bulb sits can give you a severe electric shock if you touch the inside of the socket or the metal base of the bulb while it is still partly in the socket. In addition, if the glass breaks it is possible to get cuts. These hazards can be reduced by ensuring the bulb is cool to the touch before grasping it and by holding it firmly but not squeezing by the fattest part of the glass while rotating counter-clockwise until it comes completely loose.


Light bulbs themselves, if used properly, are not dangerous. Although their primary function is to produce light energy, as a side effect they also produce heat.