AN EU directive effectively banning the sales of incandescent light bulbs began on 1 September. Expanding annually, the production and importing of all incandescent bulbs will be phased out by 2012, with the aim to increase the use of low-carbon alternatives. The first phase includes all incandescent, non-clear and 100-watt bulbs. Other less efficient bulbs equivalent in light output must be at least C-class on the EU’s energy product scale. By 2012, all bulbs should be C-class.
Criticisms of the main energy-efficient alternative, the compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL), centre on their high initial cost, quality and alleged negative health impacts. With a lifespan over ten times longer, CFLs are far more economical on a life-cycle basis and use up to 75 per cent less energy, as they are “cold-burning” and thus emit less energy in the form of heat.
Concerns are also raised by the fact that CFLs emit ultraviolet radiation and contain small quantities of mercury. The potential health and environmental risks can be reduced by switching to CFLs with an outer non-breakable lamp envelope. Unlike their incandescent predecessors, CFLs can be recycled. A service for their safe disposal is already being offered by stores such as Ikea.
CFLs are not the only alternative, however. Energy-saving halogens use 25 per cent less energy and emit a comparable quality of light to incandescent bulbs, but the future looks to be in light-emitting diode (LED) technology. With energy savings of 80 per cent and a lifespan of 25 years, this new-kid-on-the-block is great reassurance that the future is bright!
Daisey Cheyney
http://www.6d.fi/starters/page.2009-09-24.8759753901
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