Are Banned Light Bulbs Better for Your Health Than Low-Energy Alternatives?

Sept. 30, 2010 - PRLog -- Ever since the  the first day of September means the end of yet another type of old fashioned light bulb. The list of banned bulbs grows each year: first it was incandescent bulbs of 100W or over, this year it was incandescent bulbs of 75W or over, remaining incandescent bulbs will be banned by 2010 with C-class retro fit halogen lamps following in 2016. This has caused controversy, with some people claiming that the low-energy bulbs can damage our health. Ryness (http://www.ryness.co.uk/) looks at whether banned light bulbs are better for your health than low-energy alternatives.

The EU directive on banned lightbulbs has been controversial for a number of reasons. First, because many people dislike the cost and quality of the low-energy replacement bulbs and second because there are claims that they can harm our health. Campaigners claim they are damaging at best (causing migraines and skin rashes) and could even be dangerous, bringing on epileptic fits (in sufferers of epilepsy) and aggravating conditions such as lupus and autism. It is claimed that the health of at least 3 million people in the UK could be affected in an adverse way when forced to use only these energy efficient type of light bulbs.

Chief Executive of The Skin Care Campaign Andrew Langford, speaking to the Daily Express, said “There are massive health implications, and not just for people with skin conditions. The bulbs can also affect those with no pre-existing health problems. Its mainly down to the intensity of the UV light which is vastly more intense than traditional light bulbs. The effects range from a bit of soreness, right through to burns.” He added: “They’ve simply not been properly checked out for health and safety - and the little research there is, is linked to the light bulb industry.”

The plus side of these bulbs of course, is the minimised environmental impact: it is thought that phasing out 100 watt lightbulbs could slash carbon emissions by around five million tonnes a year. The quality of the bulbs is continually improving and while the initial purchase cost of these bulbs is higher than for traditional bulbs, they last for so much longer that they end up saving money in comparison. Furthermore, although the potential health hazards of using the new bulbs could well cause concern, a spokesperson at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has publicly stated that all energy efficient bulbs are essentially safe, although “We’re aware of some anecdotal evidence the use of these bulbs could have adverse effects on some people’s health and are working with the lighting industry and the Department of Health to resolve these issues.”

Ryness Lighting and Electrical is committed to customer service which is why it carries one of the widest ranges of low-energy lightbulbs available anywhere in the UK, while also providing customers with the banned lightbulbs while stock lasts. Find out more at http://www.ryness.co.uk/.