This petition is now closed, as its deadline has passed.
We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to make the UK public aware of the environmental, safety, security and practical problems associated with energy efficient light bulbs. More details
Submitted by Peter Morrell of www.AboutMyGeneration.com – Deadline to sign up by: 05 October 2007 – Signatures: 17
I am for the use of energy efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) in context. However there are environmental, safety, security and practical issues regarding their use
Some of the implications of CFL lighting are
CFLs :
Are made using toxic mercury vapour, making them difficult and expensive to recycle
When broken they release mercury vapour
Take more energy to manufacture and recycle
Can be dangerous on stairs as the light is not always instant or at full power until warm
Can flicker making power tools seem stationary
Produce UV light, a problem for Lupus sufferers
Do not work with all timer switches
Do not work outside reliably because of moisture or temperature
Cannot be used in enclosed light fittings, as heat destroys them
Do not fit up to 50% of light fittings in a home. Fitments or down lighters that do not accept a CFL need to be replaced
Do not work in ovens or freezers
Do not work with dimmer switches
Can lose their light output before failing meaning early replacement
Can fail after being switched on and off frequently
Cast an unnatural light. The colour rendering index of incandescents is near the max at 100, CFLs are 60-80
Peter Morrell, the Petition Creator, joined by: