Products and appliances: energy saving light bulbs
The Government is working with all major retailers who sell light bulbs, the lighting industry and UK energy suppliers to phase out traditional energy guzzling bulbs, replacing them with energy efficient light bulbs (CFLs).
The traditional light bulb has not changed for over a hundred years since Edison and Swan - the time of Queen Victoria - and these bulbs waste 95% of electricity as heat.
Why have this initiative?
Climate change is the biggest threat facing our planet today. It is happening and it is happening now. Everyone – governments, businesses and individuals - needs to work together to tackle climate change by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions.
By phasing out the traditional light bulbs, we will all be using less energy so will need less electricity. This initiative aims to save up to 5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide a year by 2012 from UK electricity generation – the equivalent to the carbon emissions of a typical 1 Gigawatt coal fired power station.
What are Compact Fluorescent Lights?
They are small fluorescent lamps which fit into standard light sockets, usually referred to as CFLs or energy saving light bulbs.
They last longer and use less energy than traditional (or incandescent) light bulbs, because they are much more efficient at changing electricity into light.
CFLs are also cost effective. Advice from the Energy Saving Trust suggests that because it will last up to 10 times longer than a traditional bulb, just one energy saving bulb could save up to £7 a year and, depending on the length of time lights are in use every day, could save around £60 before it needs replacing. Fit all the lights in your house with energy saving bulbs and you could save around £600 over the lifetime of the bulbs.
Are these bulbs bad for my health?
Energy efficient light bulbs are not a danger to the public.
However, we are aware of anecdotal evidence that the use of these bulbs could have adverse effects on some people’s health and are working with the lighting industry and the Department of Health to resolve these issues.
Like many household products, they must be disposed off sensibly and there are suitable facilities available for this purpose. Although they contain mercury, it cannot escape from a lamp that is intact. In any case, the very small amount contained in an energy efficient bulb is unlikely to cause harm even if the lamp should be broken.
Do they cause epilepsy?
No – the new generation of energy efficient bulbs operate on a higher frequency than earlier models, which means a constant, flicker-free light. If your light does flicker it may be old and need replacing or it may be an ‘early generation’ bulb. We’d encourage people to look for the ‘Energy Saving Recommended’ label which means the bulb has met Energy Savings Trust criteria and standards.
Will they give me a migraine?
We have received anecdotal reports that a small number of people may have experienced problems. This is a concern to us and we will ensure that there are no unintended consequences of the voluntary phase out.
Again, it’s worth noting that the new generation of energy efficient bulbs operate on a higher frequency than earlier models, which means a constant, flicker-free light. As the technology evolves, the bulbs will continue to improve. We’d encourage people to look for the ‘Energy Saving Recommended’ label which means the bulb has met Energy Savings Trust criteria and standards.
But I’m photosensitive.
When the original energy saving bulbs (for example straight fluorescent tubes) were first introduced, they operated at mains frequency which caused problems for people who are especially sensitive to flickering light. This has now been resolved and all energy saving bulbs operate at high frequency, reducing flicker to less than would be experienced by watching a computer monitor or TV.
We are aware that there are still a minority number of people who claim the use of fluorescent lights in particular could be a problem. The Government is working to consider how to avoid any unintended consequences from the phase out of inefficient light bulbs. The Government would consider the full range of impacts of any mandatory policy measure before it is introduced and will continue to work with stakeholders to avoid any unintended adverse impacts.
Are they bad for my skin?
We have received anecdotal reports that a small number of people may find they experience problems. This is a concern to us and we will ensure that there are no unintended consequences of the voluntary phase out. While this may effect only a small minority of people, we will find a way to accommodate their needs if necessary, working with the lighting industry and the Department of Health to resolve any health issues.
Do CFLs contain mercury?
Yes, they need mercury to generate light efficiently. The mercury is used to produce ultraviolet light, which is then changed into light we can see by a special coating in the lamp. The coating is inert and poses no health risk.
Nowadays, the typical amount is around 4 milligrams per lamp – just enough to cover the tip of a ball point pen and just enough to last the expected life-time of the lamp.
Will CFLs cause less mercury to be emitted to the environment than standard light bulbs?
Over the life time of both lamp types, energy efficient bulbs produce less mercury. This is due to the fact that mercury is emitted from power stations during electricity generation and energy saving bulbs are more energy efficient – therefore saving on the amount of electricity that needs to be generated.
Of course, we’ve done a lot to reduce mercury emissions in the UK in recent years. Total emissions have fallen by 80% since 1990 and stand at 7.6 tonnes a year (2005 NAEI figures - see www.airquality.com); power generation accounts for about 31% of this total.
Does the mercury in a CFL pose a risk?
The mercury cannot escape from an intact lamp and, even if the lamp should be broken, the very small amount of mercury contained in a single, modern CFL is most unlikely to cause any harm.
But it makes sense to avoid unnecessary contact with mercury; and any light bulb – broken or intact – should be dealt with sensibly.
Is a bulb likely to break?
Like all household products energy efficient bulbs can break, but they are actually harder to break than traditional bulbs: they are often coated with plastic as a protector and as they’re of a smaller diameter than traditional bulbs they’d have higher stress limits. According to trade figures, breakage rates are less than 1%.
How should I deal with a broken CFL?
Although the accidental breakage of a lamp is most unlikely to cause any health problems, it’s good practice to minimise any unnecessary exposure to mercury, as well as risk of cuts from glass fragments.
Vacate the room and ventilate it for at least 15 minutes. Do not use a vacuum cleaner, but clean up using rubber gloves and aim to avoid creating and inhaling airborne dust. Sweep up all particles and glass fragments and place in a plastic bag. Wipe the area with a damp cloth, then add that to the bag and seal it. Mercury is hazardous and the bag should not be disposed of in the bin. All local councils have an obligation to make arrangements for the disposal of household hazardous waste at a civic amenity site or household waste recycling centre. The National Household Hazardous Waste Forum runs a website with details of these centres for chemicals, but which also applies to other hazardous wastes (www.chem-away.org.uk/). Alternatively contact your local council direct.
How should I dispose of unwanted CFLs, e.g. at the end of their life?
From 1st July 2007, waste CFLs have been subject to the requirements of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations. Those who sell items such as energy efficient bulbs must provide information to the public about where they can take waste bulbs and other WEEE. Some retailers will also take them back in store. However, most retailers have funded Designated Collection Facilities, in the main at local authority civic amenity sites. From this point, producers of the equipment fund the transport, treatment and recycling, where most of the mercury can be recovered.
How does this amount compare to other articles which contain mercury?
A typical mercury thermometer may contain 0.5 to 3 grams of mercury, whilst a typical mercury barometer may contain 100 to 600 grams of mercury, around 25,000 to 150,000 times more than an energy saving bulb.
Does the law require me to replace all my traditional light bulbs immediately?
No; as part of the retailer-led voluntary initiative, the Government is aiming to phase out the sale of inefficient bulbs by the end of 2011. The European Commission is committed to introduce mandatory standards for light bulbs by 2010, with a phase out of inefficient lights over the following years.
Don’t efficient bulbs take a while to warm up?
Modern, good quality, efficient bulbs should take little more than a couple seconds to warm up to full brightness, the short delay is due to the way they work.
But aren’t efficient bulbs too big for most fittings? And don’t they give off ‘gloomy’ light?
The technology of energy efficient light bulbs has improved massively in recent years. Manufacturers have now developed “look-alike” bulbs for the majority of light fittings and they give the same standard and quality of light as existing bulbs and in the same shapes.
At the moment, most efficient bulbs are not compatible with dimmer switches, However dimmable bulbs are already on the market and will be made increasingly available in the UK during the phase out period.
In the past, the variety of colours available was limited and usually came as a ‘cold blue’ colour. Energy efficient bulbs now come in a range of colours from the original ‘cold blue’ to the traditional ‘warm white’ that you get from incandescent lights. Look for the Energy Saving Trust’s ‘Energy Saving Recommended’ logo on bulbs as these have to emit the same warm light level as old fashioned bulbs.
Aren’t these bulbs more expensive?
Whilst the upfront cost of efficient bulbs can be greater than traditional bulbs, according to the Energy Saving Trust efficient bulbs last up to ten times longer than a normal bulb and can up to £7 a year each in energy bills (for a 100W bulb), saving consumers up to £60 over the lifetime of the bulb in reduced energy bills and replacement costs.
Retailers are now selling efficient light bulbs at prices under £1, and in some cases prices are not much more than traditional bulbs.
Doesn’t switching the lights on and off use more energy than leaving them running?
No. Switching on an energy efficient bulb only uses the same amount of power as leaving it on for a minute or two. Turning the bulb on and off repeatedly may shorten a bulb’s life but normal use should not do this.
Where can I find out more?
www.defra.gov.uk/news/2007/070927a.htm
Energy Saving Trust: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
The Energy Saving Trust’s guide to energy saving light bulbs “A bright idea has got even better” provides some useful advice on efficient alternatives
Lighting Industry Federation: www.lif.co.uk/
Fact sheets are produced by the Lighting Association and the European Lamp Companies Federation on their websites:
www.lightingassociation.com/pdf/LA_PR_0708_EE_Bulbs.pdf
http://roms.elcfed.org/uploads/fmanager/070703_elc_domestic_lighting_strategy_faq.pdf
Recolight was established by the UK lamp industry in 2005 primarily for the purpose of operating a WEEE Compliance Scheme on behalf of Lamp Producers in the UK:
www.recolight.co.uk/index.asp
Page last modified:
11 January 2008
Page published: 11 January 2008