Environment secretary Hilary Benn has announced that by 2012, the UK will have fully switched to energy saving bulbs.
So what does this mean to the consumer?
The compact fluorescent light bulb (CLF), will replace the traditional incandescent bulb.
Many households have already made the switch - tempted by the indisputable benefits, both to the pocket and the environment.
The reduction in energy consumption attributed to CLF bulbs could cut carbon dioxide emissions by around five million tonnes per year.
The consumer can expect to reduce their electricity bills by approximately nine pounds per year per bulb.
On the surface this looks like a win - win situation, however, a cautious attitude must be reserved until the UK consumer wises up to the potential drawbacks of the CLF revolution - drawbacks which can be overcome when fore-warned of the facts.
Fact
CLF bulbs contain mercury - a neurotoxin, highly dangerous to humans, wildlife and the environment. A single bulb contains a very small amount of mercury - approximately one fifth of that contained in a watch battery - or one hundredth of that contained in a household thermometer, however, the scale of the CLF revolution means that around twenty million households could contain around twenty bulbs equating to an enormous four hundred million bulbs (with an approximate lifespan of three to five years).
Consider that the mercury content of one bulb can pollute over five thousand litres of drinking water beyond safe drinking levels, it is essential that consumers are aware that CLF bulbs cannot be thrown in with household rubbish, destined for land fill sites where chemical leaching into the soil can occur.
Used or broken CLF bulbs must be disposed of correctly, clearly labelled as hazardous waste in sealed containers, or sent to specialist recycling plants.
Fact
CLF bulbs emit short wave ultra violet radiation. We are all aware of skin damage caused by prolonged exposure to the sun's dangerous UV rays, however, it is not widely known that fluorescent light emit's the same UV - but on a much smaller scale, some studies conclude that emissions have negligible effects upon skin as they are so low, however Cousins report 200 concluded that skin cancers were more prevalent in indoor workers that those who worked outside. It is clear that this is an issue that requires far more research.
Fact
CLF bulbs emit greater numbers of positive ions than the traditional incandescent bulb.
You can't see or smell them, but excessive positive ions in the atmosphere can make us ill.
Studies have shown that atmospheres of excessive positive ions increase the production of stress hormones, resulting in a variety of symptoms including anxiety, dizziness, upset stomachs, depression.
Negative ions, increase the levels of oxygen in the bloodstream thus providing a feeling of well being, decreasing drowsiness and increased physical and mental alertness.
The human body takes in negative charges and emits positive charges.
Positive ions are emitted from all electrical and electronic equipment, the modern home and workplace are becoming increasingly positively charged environments.
The use of ionisers in the home, office and car can combat the unquantifiable, detrimental effects on health.
It must be concluded that the benefits of the energy saving bulbs could far outweigh the drawbacks as long as we are all “switched on” to the facts.
