Britons not seeing the light for new bulbs

Britons are stocking up on the old-style 60-watt tungsten bulbs, which the European Union banned beginning Thursday (1st September). However, shops are allowed to sell them until they run out of stock.

Many British households still prefer the power-consuming light bulb over the newer energy saving versions because of insufficient light given by the alternatives such as the halogen and the compact fluorescent lamp. Another complaint of users is that the new bulbs do not work well with dimmer switches.

Despite the ban, several health groups called for the law to be reversed because of their belief that some Britons’ health could be affected by the emission of ultraviolet light by the new bulbs, which could cause migraine and affect people who have light-sensitive ailments such as Lupus.

At least one bill has been filed in Parliament that seeks to retain the old bulbs for people with light-sensitive illnesses.



Read more: http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/90058791?Britons%20not%20seeing%20the%20light%20for%20new%20bulbs#ixzz1WkNVjkKz

e-petition - Rescind the law on the Sale of Incandescent light bulbs
by Tee Today at 22:22

Rescind the law on the Sale of Incandescent light bulbs
Responsible department: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

I want government to rescind the law on the sale of incandescent light bulbs. Why can't we have both types of bulbs on sale, side by side, and allow the people to choose which bulb they want to use. It is well documented that other major countries have or are repealing this law as it has been proved that low energy bulbs are a health hazard espcially to people who suffer from migrain, epilepsy or any kind of eye condition as the condition will get worse. Disposal of low energy bulbs is not straight forward either as the mercury inside them is classed as toxic waste, low energy bulbs also have a much poorer performance record when compared to incandescent bulbs. In this time of recession when everyone is living on very tight budgets forcing the people to buy Very Highly Priced under-performing low energy bulbs is dictatorial and condemns a large percentage of the people to poorer health.

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/20393

I know that here in NZ energy efficient lights are now justifiable from a household economic point of view. The biggest inhibitor to their popularity is their purchase price (about 4 times an incandescent light). If you're on a tight budget, the long term cost saving is outweighed by your immediate needs.

We are not supposed to dispose of energy efficient lights with the ordinary rubbish, but few local authorities have convenient disposal alternatives, so it's mostly ignored.

I do agree that energy efficient lighting does pose a health risk for many people and there should be alternatives. A few stores have stopped selling incandescent lights for "environmental reasons", they are still widely available and the is no government move at present to restrict their sale.