Dim view of ban on lightbulbs

Moves to phase out all but energy-saving lightbulbs have been slammed by a North-West Euro-MP.

Chris Nuttall, of the UK Independence Party (UKIP), has hit out at moves by the European Commission to remove old-style 100-watt bulbs between now and 2012, claiming that low-energy lightbulbs will have an adverse effect on people with light sensitive health problems.

He believes that the lightbulbs can have such a devastating impact on these people that they should carry a public health warning, like cigarettes.

He said: “Time and time again we watch with despair as the EU churns out legislation with unintended consequences — and here we go again.

“People who are light sensitive suffer because of the emission of ultra-violet light and the blue part of the visible spectrum. Tests by the Health Protection Agency have shown that the new compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) emit both.

“A whole range of illnesses are involved including lupus, psoriasis, eczema, porphyria, migraines, ME, epilepsy and autism.

“I have been told that adverse effects include pain, nausea, burning sensations, rashes, lethargy, swollen joints, anxiety and genetic damage.”

Mr Nuttall is also concerned about the environmental implications of using the new bulbs, saying that mercury in the lightbulbs could pose a danger if they are not disposed of properly.

He said: “Once the lamps end up in landfill the mercury can evaporate further, seep into the ground and contaminate water. The amount of mercury in one lamp is enough to contaminate 6,000 gallons of water. But even if they don’t break, they constitute a time bomb for future generations.”