Exploring the Potential X-Ray Emissions of Neon Signs

[Trifux]

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 :)

 

[Melbourne Guy]

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:

https://www.explainthatstuff.com/howneonlampswork.html

 

[Vanadium 50]

Neon signs emit x-rays, as does most everything operating at high voltage. They are not, however, a particularly efficient source of x-rays;

 

[Trifux]

Thanks guys. So could it be harmful to be near the neon sign I posted for long periods of time every day?

 

[Vanadium 50]

How near is near? How long is long? How harmful is harmful?

 

[Trifux]

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.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Then I will not answer that question, because it's a legal liability question.

 

[Nugatory]

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.