Energy-Saving Bulbs Causing Migraine Headaches

by Tim Stevens on January 2, 2008 at 10:08 AM

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs Causing Migraine Headaches

Compact fluorescent bulbs, the twisted looking replacement lights that use as little as one fourth the power of their common incandescent counterparts (and last much longer), are being adopted worldwide in an effort to reduce energy consumption. They are even becoming mandatory in some countries -- a little troubling according to the Daily Mail, which reports that health experts in the U.K. say the green bulbs can cause migraine headaches or other disconcerting symptoms in many people.

The bulbs work in the same way as the long, traditional fluorescent tube lights seen in many commercial establishments. This means that they can produce light that subtly flickers, unnoticeable by many, but a big problem for others, especially epileptics, who can suffer from seizures under fluorescent bulbs. According the U.K.'s Migraine Action Association and other health organizations, the lights also cause headaches, as well as nausea, dizziness, and even physical pain for those suffering with lupus, according to the study.

In both the United States and the United Kingdom, traditional incandescent bulbs are set to be completely phased out by 2012. Surely those with medical conditions can be given exemptions easily enough, but if they can't simply walk into a store and buy a traditional bulb, just how many companies will continue manufacturing them and how much will they cost? Will traditional bulb clubs be the marijuana-buying clubs of the 21st century?

Such recent health concerns around energy-saving fluorescent bulbs might be another reason to push research into production of LED-based lighting options, which are even more efficient than CFL lighting, and even more durable, with a single bulb potentially never burning out. Such LED-based bulbs are available now, but at per-bulb costs that dwarf those of the relatively expensive CFL bulbs.

Energy-Saving Lightbulbs Causing Migraines

From The Daily Mail

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Tags: breaking+news, Bulb, CFL, LED, top

Comments

368

PowderRiverJan 8th 2008 2:14AM

Neutral

Disturbing; all smells of political corruption
based on greed
--buy new Energy Star fixtures for the bulbs
--Minimum 15 minute on time (how does that save?)
--Cannot be used outdoors
--Cannot be used in enclosed ceiling fixtures
--greenguide states "pose no health threat"??

There are better ways to bring change than idiotic legislation like this.

Does anyone have a record of the companies that lobbied for the legislation?

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helasJan 8th 2008 6:31AM

Neutral

The flourescent bulbs give me headaches and hurt my eyes. I'm very sensitive to them, and I can 'feel' the difference right away. These bulbs, sadly, make it very difficult if not impossible for me to do the 'right thing'....

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grantreederJan 8th 2008 8:36AM

Neutral

Global Warming is not caused by anything man has done or can do. Sen Imhoff of Oklahoma told the Senate in Nov.2007. That this whole popular issue is a huge costly Scam. 400 of the top Scientists in the world have concluded this. Dogpile this and read the speech. Gore is a Joke and should be censored by the U.S. Government.

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Helena_HandbasketJan 8th 2008 9:34AM

Neutral

-- the headaches could be cause of the pregnancy -- Natosha

I always thought headaches were a contraceptive.

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TerrieJan 8th 2008 11:39AM

Neutral

forget all this mambo jumbo of marketing I'm going back to take advantage of NATURAL LIGHT and going to bed when it gets dark, getting a good night sleep ( most of us need 7 to 8 hrs of sleep). You have more ENERGY the next day and less likely to snap at any one. Try... why not...we trying evrything else. Good luck

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deb barnhartJan 21st 2008 10:15PM

Neutral

I live in the socialist state of Vermont where our knee-jerk
reactionary law makers have decided to pass a law to ban incandescent
Light bulbs. They have not even acknowledged the mercury content of
the compact florescent bulbs we would be forced to use; yet, last year
they were overly concerned with how dentists disposed of removed
Amalgam fillings! Go figure!

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MommaJan 22nd 2008 4:42AM

Neutral

I also hate the new bulbs. We had them in the living room and I can't stand to read by them. I also hate the delay when you turn on the lamps. They don't seem nearly as bright to me and make the room seem gray and lifeless. I do hope there is an alternative before they the law goes into effect. Does anyone else have trouble reading under their light? They really bother my 50 year old eyes.

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daytrader106Jan 22nd 2008 5:25AM

Neutral

Tom says:
The answer is LED light bulbs. They don't flicker, they do not contain mercury, thay are 100% eco friendly, They consume very little enery, produce no heat and last 50,000 hours!

01/02/08 10:23 AM

Tom, I have used LED lights for years in our trailer fleet. THEY DO NOT last 50,000 hours and they are very expensive.

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