Light Bulbs Phased Out in EU Starting September

The European Union will phase out incandescent light bulbs form Europe starting September 1, 2009. The ordinary light bulbs will be replaced by more efficient light bulbs such as halogen and compact flourescent lamps. The decision to phase out regular lights is controversial, as the energy-efficient lights have been proven to cause rashes in some people.

The new, more energy-efficient light bulbs use up to five times less energy than incandescent bulbs, which means that an average household can reduce its electricity consumption by 10-15% by changing to incandescent bulbs. The ineffecient light bulbs will be progressivly banned from the European market over a three year period. Many Europeans are now stockpiling the old light bulbs, as they are cheaper, and may trigger rashes in sensitive people.

Other countries have also implemented laws to ban inefficient light bulbs - among these are Canada, Australia and Cuba.