Light Bulb Low Energy

Darling, turn the lights down low

Traditional incandescent bulbs, in use for over a hundred years, are gradually being replaced by the new low-energy Fluorescent Bulbs. Using a significant 30 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs, these compact flourescents are being promoted by green-minded organizations, the United States government as well as some mega retailers such as Walmart and Home Depot. The emphatic selling point countering the initial higher cost is the overall money-saving featues. Great Britain as well as other countries are banning the use of the traditional Light Bulbs by the year 2012. In the U.S., laws passed by Congress demand that all light bulbs be 25 percent to 35 percent more efficient by 2014, citing $40 billion in savings between 2012 and 3040, and the need for 14 fewer coal-fired power plants.

However, some physicians are legitimately worried about the new energy efficent bulbs. In addition to the concerns over mercuy pollution , Dr. Robert Sarkany, photodermatologist at St. John’s Institute of Dermatology, St. Thomas Hospital in London says he is treating patients who have skin rashes due to exposure to the low-light fluourescent bulbs.

Still other doctors are concerned that the new bulbs could even cause skin cancer. According to Dr. Colin Holdon, president of the Bristish Association of Dermatologist, “It is important that patients with photosensitive skin eruptions are allowed to use lights that don’t exacerbate their condition. Photosensitive eruptions range from disabling eczema-like reactions, to light sensitivities that can ultimately lead to skin cancer.” Those suffering from lupus, dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis are at greatest risk. British charities also said that the light from low-energy light bulbs also triggers migraines and epilepsy.

Ok, I don’t know about you, but I have some very definite opinions about what kind of bulbs I use in my home and most of it is derived from my theory on aging gracefully.  Remember those lighted stand-up mirrors by Clairol? The ones where you could see yourself in daylight, evening or flourescent light with just the touch of a finger? This was purportedly so you could adjust your make up for the sort of light you would be encountering that day. Do you recall how awful you looked in flourescent lighting, the light that dominated the workplace? Once you got your make up on, adjusting to those awful green overtones, how well were you going to look on the way to work in full sunlight? And what about after work, when you went out with friends to happy hour in a dimly lit bar or if you were meeting your sweetie for a candlelight dinner?

Can we not individually find ways to save energy without sacrificing our beauty? We could go to bed when the sun goes down, as nature intended. We might opt for a career change, say become a dog walker instead of a counter girl We could light our homes in the evening with candlelight or if, like me (over fifty), use no bulbs in your home over 40 watts. My dear, it’s a matter of face and energy. If I am not focusing on how many lines I have on my face from high intensity light bulbs or mopping around thinking I’m sick because I look positively green under flourescent light, I have a lot more energy to go on with my life and live it as if the world around me, and myself, stopped growing old light years ago.

About the Author

Cheryl Bryant Rushing is a licensed aesthetician with over 30 years of experience.  She is former publisher and contributer to the American Society of Esthetic Medicine and has written an informational newsletter for her international clientele since 1990.  Her most recent published article appeared in the Jan 2010 “Dermascope.”

Low Energy Light Bulb Safety Warning BBC News

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