03 September 2010
The humble light bulb is undergoing a revolution. Last year it was the 100 W light bulbs that were phased out and now the 75 W bulbs are set to go as well. Sales will continue until stocks run out and then new more energy efficient alternatives will be on the shelves.
The main motive behind the change is primarily energy efficiency as the old bulbs are said to generate a great deal of heat in comparison with newer models. In addition newer bulbs can save money as they can last 6 – 10 times longer than the old bulbs. Other bulbs such as the 60W will also cease to exist as of next year.Supporters of the move to eradicate the old bulbs have claimed that by ditching the older bulbs the European Union could save as much electricity per year as the total amount needed to power
The British Government has said that a switch to low energy bulbs will not only reduce emissions of carbon dioxide by around 5 million tonnes a year – the equivalent to the emissions from a typical 1 gigawatt coal fired power station. As well as using a quarter of the energy of a conventional bulb, the low –energy bulb can save a household up to £7.00 a year.
The move however has angered medical charities as low energy light bulbs are said to trigger various ailments such as skin rashes and migraines. Other critics have stated that the compact fluorescent bulbs contain mercury making them dangerous to dispose of as well as giving off a rather harsh office type glow not perhaps suited to a domestic living room.
The European Union also has plans to phase out both the 40 and 25 Watt light bulbs in the not too distant future.
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