I have a brilliant idea: free bulb choice

Now it seems that some people may need to use incandescent bulbs. If there is enough public support to pass a law mandating the switch to low-energy bulbs, then many people must want to convert to using them anyway. So never mind the law, and whoever still needs to use incandescent bulbs will be free to act accordingly.

Using environmentally-friendly light bulbs can be bad for your skin, say doctors.

The new energy-saving bulbs produce a more intense light and can exacerbate a range of existing skin problems.

Now it is feared that thousands of people may be unable to use electric light in their own homes, visit family and friends, or have access to employment and public services if the government's plan to phase out the normal variety of incandescent lighting goes ahead without exemptions.

The warning has been issued by Spectrum, an alliance of charities working with people with light sensitive conditions, and the British Association of Dermatologists.

It comes after the Migraine Action Association warned the energy-saving light bulbs could trigger migraines.

The government wants to phase out traditional, incandescent bulbs by 2011 but no allowances have been made for people suffering from light sensitive conditions who often suffer severe and painful reactions to fluorescent lighting and other forms of non-incandescent lighting.

Spectrum is running a campaign to raise awareness of the impact on people's health in response to the government decision to ban incandescent light bulbs. They claim as many as 340,000 people could be affected.[...]

From among those surviving the coming famine caused by the switch to biofuels.

Crossposted on Soccer Dad

Tags: bulbs, lightbulbs, energy policy