Posted on 01/14/2009 4:58:49 AM PST by ButThreeLeftsDo
They can help save money and the environment, but some say energy saving light bulbs are making them sick.
The new compact fluorescent bulbs have become exceedingly more popular over the past few years—they use less energy and last up to 10 times longer. So Connie Hall, of Stacy, also decided to invest in them, too.
But a week later, Hall developed a severe rash on her arm and neck.
"I was kind of horrified really," she said.
Already super sensitive to light, a symptom of her Lupus, Hall also became weak, tired and her blood pressure was high. But doctors couldn't figure out what was wrong until a light bulb went off.
"When the doctor walked in I said, ‘Do you think it has anything to do with the energy saving light bulbs I’m using,’" said Hall.
Her doctor says that's exactly the case. The ultraviolet rays emitted from the bulbs were making Hall even more sick, and researchers agree the bulbs can not only effect those with Lupus, but also those who suffer from epilepsy or migraine headaches.
"We think when the ultraviolet light hits the skin, it causes inflammation that can trigger a flare up of the entire illness. So it really can be a really big problem for Lupus patients," explained Dr. Daniel Mueller with the University of Minnesota.
Hall has since she replaced the new bulbs with conventional ones, but she now wants to warn others with a similar condition.
"There are other people who are being exposed to this light and have no clue because there's no warning label on the packaging at all," she said.
The Lupus Foundation has recently started lobbying Congress to require warning labels on the energy saving light bulbs. In the meantime, doctors say an easy fix would be to use a light fixture cover or a lampshade.
lol
I have about 1/2 a fl oz of mercury out in the garage, in a set of carburetor balancing gauges (mercury “carb stix”). Now, if I was to spill all of that on the floor I might worry a bit. More likely I’d just sweep it all out the door. They don’t come indoors, though. When I want to get rid of it I’ll have to take it the toxic waste recycling center, I guess.
You can get incandescent light bulbs rated for 25,000 hours that are used by the hospitality industry. If you use them for an average of 7 hours a day they’ll burn out in just a little under 10 years and cost about a buck or less per bulb depending on how many you buy.
https://www.nathosp.com/product/25k19_c/standard_incandescent_light_bulbs
Once you stock up all you’ll have to do is watch out for the light bulb police who’ll be monitoring everyone who might be using those unauthorized, evil incandescents!
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