Low-Efficiency Light Bulbs Banned in the EU

by Karenke4 | December 9, 2008 at 09:46 am

679 views | 36 Recommendations | 16 comments

The EU took initial steps towards banning incandescent light bulbs and low-efficiency halogen bulbs. In a measure that would make even Edison proud, restrictions against the bulbs are set to take place starting in September 2009. These steps, the latest in the Energy Using Products (EuP) initiative will phase out high emission bulbs entirely by 2012.

The requirement will begin in September 2009 for bulbs that have a light output equivalent to an incandescent bulb of 100 watts (W) or more. All other bulbs will have to meet E-class efficiency by the same date. The C-class requirement will then apply to these lower-wattage bulbs in stages until all are covered by September 2012.

The transition to compact florescent lamps (CFLs), hoped to be approved in the Spring will help to reduce energy costs in households an average of 50 euros per year and will reduce approximately 15 million tons of carbon emissions per year.

To find out more about CFLs and how you or your business can reduce your carbon output, click here.

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SOLARLIFE

at 10:42 on December 9th, 2008

Energy efficient light bulbs are already in use for 70% of public buildings in France for 15W Electricity you get 75 Watt light. Supermarkets like Carrefour take the CFLs back for recycling. Philips starts to sell LED light bulbs. 2012 true date for Edison light bulb USA and US. Nobody in Europe saying money saving a ba d thing. Now you get 3 CFL bulbs for $10. Karenke4 good awareness article ! Scamazine top sidebar photo !

moonpie79

at 10:51 on December 9th, 2008

moonpie79 has contributed a photo to this story.

Terri Potratz

at 11:09 on December 9th, 2008

In theory, this is a good move for the environment but I think the efforts are greatly misplaced. The safety of CFL bulbs is questionable at best, as they contain mercury which is an extremely toxic chemical element.

People need to be educated on safety precautions and proper disposal procedures - and all the potential nightmares that come with CFLs - before an all-out transition to these bulbs takes place.

matte

at 16:08 on December 9th, 2008

In Australia this move has already started, but as Terri points out the mercury content of these new bulbs is cause for concern.

A new scheme will need to be launched in all countries to allow safe disposal of these flouro bulbs, otherwise we will see much toxic fallout.

The greenhouse cost of producing and disposing of these new bulbs must also be measured. I think it will be higher than the carbon from needing the power for traditional bulbs.

Paublo Sanchez (not verified)

at 16:11 on December 9th, 2008

The Magazine Forbes ran a story some time back about the dangers about CFL lights and added costs that go way beyond just immediate energy savings. Check it out (near the bottom of the page):

http://www.forbes.com/columnists/forbes/2008/0128/017.html

matte

at 03:09 on December 10th, 2008

was installing one in her daughter's bedroom when it dropped on the floor and shattered. Luckily, Brandy knew CFLs contained mercury and called the store where she bought hers for advice. She was advised to call the Poison Control hotline, which in turn directed her to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. DEP showed up and found that mercury levels in her daughter's room were six times the state's 'safe' level. The DEP specialist gave her a 'low-ball' estimate of $2,000 to clean up the room."

The advice here in OZ is to air the room for 20 minutes - no mentions of costly cleanups

Karenke4

at 08:23 on December 10th, 2008

I agree that broken bulbs can cause a large problem if people are not educated on how to dispose of them and how to clean up after they break. Check out this link for proper handling procedures (cleaning up on end of page 2-3).

matte

at 14:27 on December 10th, 2008

I think a whole new industry just in collection and recycling/disposal will emerge

Pablo Sanchez (not verified)

at 15:57 on December 12th, 2008

That's a grossly inadequate set of instruction for cleaning up toxic waste that is a solid form. If it were a liquid that could evaporate of gas that would disperse then maybe.

dunkelberg

at 07:56 on December 13th, 2008

The mercury in the bulb threat is overrated. The defenders of the status quo (KACHING!) would rather have more coal being burned to light incandescent bulbs and putting ever so much more mercury into the environment.

matte

at 19:46 on December 13th, 2008

mercury will remain in your system and poison you to death. Just wait till there are millions of 5mg releases of mercury into the atmosphere every day. Then people will be noting the dangers.

dunkelberg

at 19:48 on December 13th, 2008

Just wait till there are millions of 5mg releases of mercury into the atmosphere every day

We have it now with coal-fired powered generation

Paschen

at 08:15 on December 13th, 2008

The EEL Bulbs are quiet safe and there is a lot of unfunded and urban legend hysteria around EELB.

matte

at 14:22 on December 17th, 2008

probably even some unfounded and urban myth as well

sara star

at 20:20 on December 19th, 2008

I prefer incandescent light, as I find fluorescent irritating for some reason. Why take away our choice.

john cross (not verified)

at 13:52 on January 12th, 2009

l have tried these cfl bulbs.l have found light a strain and to read my paper l have to raise it to the light. these bulbs should come with a free miners pith helmet to read the paper with ease. l have never had eye strain or migraine with the traditional 100w bulb,l have changed back no problems since. the cfl toxic bulb is not fit for purpose or safe.