Cut Off Your Nose To Spite Your Face
73Our Country Mandates The Flourescent Light Bulb
We knew it was coming, yet I could scarcely credit the reality of it: Last December, our President signed into law the death warrant of the incandescent light bulb. The excuse is global warming. The downside is--actually, the downsides are many and terrifying.
Why did I title this Hub Cut Your Nose Off To Spite Your Face? Because my wife and I believe that is exactly what governmental bodies around the globe have done in mandating use of the fluorescent light bulb while relegating the incandescent bulb to the dustbin. The f-bulb does use less electricity. But it can be deadly.
Deadly? How so? Surely I exaggerate! After all, if Canada did it, it must be safe, right?
No. Not really. My wife has a number of ailments (a high number), one of which is extreme sensitivity to fluorescent lighting. Under such, she immediately begins to become disoriented, and the disorientation becomes worse the longer she is exposed. For this precise reason, if she accompanies me on a trip to Wal-Mart, I must get her out of the store within one hour at most.
Why? Because if she is under those lights for longer than that, we know from experience she'll be so "out of it" that her mind goes (temporarily) and she will resist leaving at all...getting worse by the minute. Whether the store is in Montana or Colorado makes no difference. If she is under the lights for more than two hours, she is subject to epileptic seizure, most likely (we logically figure) from the "flicker effect". And for any epileptic, the next seizure may just be the last.
The Fluorescent May Be "Green", But WE Don't Trust It
There Is More They Left Out
Amazingly, the downsides of fluorescent bulbs are virtually ignored by their advocates despite the dangers. Do none of their loved ones suffer from epilepsy, migraines, or whatever, under such lights in stores or offices around the country? Don't they realize toxic mercury is quietly sitting there in every fluorescent bulb, just waiting for a chance to do mischief?
Most of all, don't they realize the cost savings fallacy? Um, probably not that last one. Pam and I tried out a few of those $7 bulbs that were supposed to last a whole bunch of years. We put them in places that needed a little light without pouring it all over us all of the time, such as the entryway to our home. We would be passing through every now and then, but not sitting under the stuff for hours on end.
Okay. We'll grant they do save money on electricity, but in our experience, they did not save money on the bulbs themselves. More often than not, they burned out in weeks. Perhaps it was due to a stray electrical surge, but the fact was, trying to use them at all cost us a small fortune in glass.
Bottom line: We consider flourescent light to be definitely better than no light...but worse than any other form of light: Sunlight, moonlight, firelight, or the time tested inandescent light.
The Old Incandescent May Be Inefficient, But It IS Trustworthy
Whatever Happened To Self Discipline?
The big pitch, the only advantage proponents even try to claim for fluorescent lighting is its cost advantage. Can't argue with--
Wait a minute. Doesn't our light bill go down when we just turn off the lights we aren't using?
What would you like to bet? When the day comes that the entire planet has been successfully forced to use only fluorescent light bulbs (and it very much looks like that day is not far off), would anyone care to bet that use of electricity will simply increase to offset the "ecological savings" until the net effect is even more electrical power consumption than before the incandescent bulb was banned?
That is not a bet i would take...even without considering the other negative effects like toxic mercury and a law-passing campaign that has put the cart before the horse, cut off its own nose to spite its face, and three or four hundred other moldy cliches.
Thanks for reading,
Ghost32
The Extreme Danger Of Mercury
Links To Another Alternative: Full Spectrum Lighting
- Full Spectrum Lighting
A discussion of the health benefits of full spectrum lighting as well as two available products. - Natural Lighting
Additional discussion of, and products providing, the closest known "copy" of natural sunlight.
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Comments
Very interesting article. I never gave it much thought, just started replacing my bulbs with f-bulbs. Thanks for reminding me that I should do some research for myself instead of just listening to what others say. =)
Your comments (thank you!) reminded me to add a Links capsule with a couple of links to Full Spectrum Lighting sites. Full spectrum bulbs would appear to provide a light that closely mimics natural sunlight and aids rather than hinders health in plants and animals as well as humans. Pam and I have yet to try them, but only because they are not exactly cheap. If any readers out there have used them and would be willing to share information, "Come On Down--The Price Is Right!"
Actually, the more you turn a CFL on and off, the shorter its life. It's not meant to be turned on and off, but to be a long term lighting, such as in department stores, offices, etc.
But I do have to argue with one point. A CFL has about as much mercury in it as a thermometer. Do you remember mercury thermometers? Did one ever break, and did you roll the mercury around in your hand? Did you die? Well, you won't die from a broken CFL either, or we'd all be dead by now.
I still think we should have an option. The power companies aren't going to be all too happy about this law, since it will cost them billions of dollars. I use about 7 CFL's in my house, in the lights that I forget and leave on most often. I can see a small decrease in my light bills, but to be truthful, your appliances use more than your lights, even when they're off.
Anything that glows...electronics, t.v.'s that turn on instantly, microwaves, all use 75% of their power when they are turned off. Why? Because they are staying "warm". Have you ever gone on vacation for two weeks, and come back and your electricity bill hadn't gone down at all? That's why.
You can save more electricity by unplugging everything when not in use than you can by replacing all your flourescent bulbs.
Trust me, if Bush signed this into law, his buddies are raking in the bucks on it some way.
Thanks, Dafla, for a great comment, and especially for reminding me about the fact flourescents wear out fast when turned on and off a lot. I had forgotten about that, though I'm pretty sure I knew it once.
On the other hand, some of the CFL bulbs my wife and I saw wear out "super fast" were only turned on and off once a day; they usually stayed one way or the other for at least 10 hours at a time.
As to the mercury, I'm sure you're right about thermometer mercury rolling in the hand NOT being enough to kill us (unless of course we're hypersensitive). But I'm not sure small amounts are all that safe, either, according to some pretty horrible reports about the damage that can accrue from having a mouthful of mercury amalgam fillings.
Personally, I was far too cowardly to roll any mercury around in my hand as a kid, though.
The Job Accommodation Network (http://www.jan.wvu.edu) lists reduction or elimination of fluorescent lighting as an appropriate accommodation for many conditions. In addition to causing headache, fatigue, and problems with light sensitivity, they are listed as problematic for individuals with epilepsy, migraine, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, and vertigo (related to cardiovascular problems, multiple scleroses, and several other disorders.)
Janet Kaye, thanks for the Comment AND the solid reference. My wife has ALL of the problems you list, with the fortunate exception that her cardiovascular system seems to be excellent--a surprise when she was stress tested a few years ago, but a pleasant one.
Good information! Never knew anything about this issue before your hub! Have I just been under a blanket? Is this one the news shows? Consumer Reports? We've been slowly switching out to the CFL bulbs and now both my living room lamps have them! Thanks again for this information.
Hi, Desert Blondie--
Thanks for the comment! I would not say you've been "under a blanket" on the issue. It's more like it fits under the "Conspiracy of the Moment" cover: When an issue becomes popular in the "politically correct" sense, many times the media seems to jump on that bandwagon (in this case pro-CFL) and conveniently ignores the downside (of flourescents, for example). In that case, it helps to be a bit of an "underground rebel" (as my wife and I both are) who assumes The News is usually Wrong unless Proven Otherwise...a rather skeptical viewpoint, some might feel, but it works for us.
I don't know about Consumer Reports; haven't been reading that much lately. "Green" publications such as Mother Earth News sometimes do have great insights on these issues, however.
Have you thought about going LED? They are more expensive, but almost never burn out and last indefinately AND you can run them from a 12 volt battery. They give what is usually refered to as "cold, or flat light", but maybe Pam wouldn't have such a reaction to them. Just a thought
MWS, I must admit, no, I had NOT thought about going LED. The reason: Their "cold" or "flat" light simply repels me. I have no idea why, have never researched LED to figure out the reason, but do know I "trust my gut" most of the time. I work straight night shift, driving truck in the gasfields of western Colorado, and a lot of night workers out here use LED lights that strap to their hard hats.
I'm SO repelled by LED, however, that I do NOT use them even in work situations, but rather purchase cheap flashlights that use 2 AA batteries--even though I have to hold the flashlight in my mouth when 2 hands are needed for the job at hand. No reasoning at all behind this, just blind emotion!:D
Fantastic Hub Ghost....didn't know my fav. compact fluos were the 6500K daylight ones....been usin compact fluos for many years now...the early ones were pretty much crap..still have a few...only a very few have died in over 15 years of on off use...most of the newer type are pretty good....i replaced all of my lights with them...my fav. are the 5 & 8 watters in a stubby compact spiral...been livin off the suns energy for close to 25 years now...never had a power bill or been connected to any power grid in that time & never plan too...main reason i got them was to keep my batteries happy...i also really like LEDs too....just not wise to look into them directly....never noticed any bad health effects usin compact fluos or in large shopping places...but i heard that some people have...sorry to hear about your wife....know of a woman that collapes if she comes in contact with plastic...MCS (multiple chemical sensitivity)...live must be pretty tough like this....i remember seein sunlight tubes the Japanese use to bring natural sunlight into buildings ...& something similar is used in Iceland to help people feel better over the long night periods up there....maybe we'd all be much better off goin to bed with the sun & getting up with it....if the creator ment us to be notural we'd be able to see in the dark without electronic night vision....reckon we have got so far away from natural livin its not funny....maybe that will all change soon....GB Sunlight in a tube
Posted March 11, 2005Courtesy Oak Ridge National Laboratoryand World Science staffThere has been a correction/clarification to this story: see below
Scientists are developing a technology to save energy by transmitting sunlight into buildings through tubes.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Jeff Muhs wrapped in optical fiber carrying sunlight. (Courtesy ORNL Review)
Indoor electric lighting is the largest consumer of electricity in commercial buildings, according to researchers at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
Their new system, called hybrid solar lighting, would reduce this energy usagewith fixtures that supplement or completely replace electric light with sunlight, at times when it’s available.
In the system, a rooftop collector concentrates and sends sunlight through optical fibers, tubes made of special, high-purity material that transmit light by reflecting it down their inner walls.
The fibers would transmit sunlight to special fixtures inside the building, which also contain high-efficiency fluorescent lighting.
When the transmitted sunlight completely illuminates each room, the electric lights stay off. The researchers discussed on their work in the current issue of the laboratory’s magazine, ORNL Review.When less natural light is available during cloudy days and at night, a sensor activates controls that increase electric lighting adequately to supplement natural lighting and maintain desired illumination levels, according to the magazine.&&...
Dave, thanks for the Comment. Didn't know all the details about the sunlight tubes.
no worries ghost...just like to add for anyone lookin...my AC (Alternating Current) power has always been via DC (Direct Current) to AC power INVERTERS that connect to batteries...they are a much more stable power source than mains grid power with all the surges & spikes & blackouts etc. etc. (bills)....& the SINE WAVE ones are the best...actually cleaner/PERFECT superior electricity to mains power....so this maybe why my old compacts are still goin....will remember not to use any at your place when i come over....GB
That's good, Dave. My telekinetic wife, Pam, tends to blow things up (light light bulbs) when she gets upset. Wouldn't want to waste any of yours.
this hub has been a great help to me...but not in the way u meant:) ...i just ordered some cheap ($3 each on ebay) 6700K compact fluros in 9watt & 5watt...to replace my old 'YELLOW' dinosaurs...they will give off a more natural light to show colours better...checked out the 5500K ones & they want $48 each...u gotta be crazy.....5500K is similar to NOON day sun...well any photographer will tell u that light is lousy for good pics....natural daylight has a C.R I. rating of 100.......6700K = 92 CRI.....5500K = 91CRI.......& now thanks to u... i know my old compacts have mercury in them (think thermometers & teeth fillings)...so will be careful with disposal.....another option is LEDs....(if u can afford em) =
Why Should LED's Be My Choice In Lighting?
Did you know that in 2007 the Australian government enacted a law that will begin phasing out incandescent lightbulbs in 2009 and ban their sale by 2010?
LEDs' are the superior choice for a multitude of reasons.
LED's use very little energy, often far less than the compact fluorescent bulbs that are currently being marketed as 'energy saving'. This translates to significant savings on your power bill.LED's may last up to and in many cases beyond a staggering 50 000 hrs which means they may last 10 years even with heavy usage. This makes them much cheaper than other bulbs in the long term but also saves the time and inconvenience of having to change bulbs regularly, particularly in hard to reach places.LED's emit no UV light and are safe for people with health problems that are affected by fluorescent lights.LED's produce very little heat, greatly reducing the strain on air conditioning systems and therefore further reducing energy consumption. LED's can be retro fitted into most standard lighting fixtures.LED's emit no audible buzz that can make fluorescent bulbs very annoying and interfere with radio frequencies.LED's are mercury free, they pose no immediate threat if they are broken and they do not require hazardous waste disposal. Compact fluorescents are highly toxic if broken and should be diposed of as hazardous waste.LED's come in a huge range of styles to suit any application. LED's are shock and vibration resistant, there are no fragile filaments that can be easily damaged.
Great set of pro-LED tidbits, Dave. Still doesn't change the fact that LED light personally repels me to the point that I start automatically reaching for a weapon and looking for the enemy, though. No, still don't have any idea why I hate 'em, but I sure do. Proably only one in a gazillion like me out there on this topic, but there it is.
Absolutely love incandescent.
each to their own i reckon...i got some wonderful 2 watt 12 volt incandescents u would love...have one above the kitchen sink...very 'peaceful' light...great little low power backups...almost candle light like.....i need all the light i can get these days...goin blind at night.....don't like bright plain bulbs blarin down on u though...like my down light above kitchen work bench so direct view of bulb is not seen....no street lights out here in bush so what i use the most is my LED headlights...they leave hands free to do what needs to be done...evolved from the old one handed days of flashlight in one hand....u's also love the higher wattage 12 volt incandescents...(look same as normal AC ones but work direct off 12 volt battery)....gave one away to friend livin in shed & still got one i think...just got to be careful u don't plug them into AC power like my daughter did once...they tend to explode:)...if large numbers of fluos get shot out in your area....they'll know where to send the posse:)...just remember the health hazard.....take some deep breaths, close your eyes & walk away...it just aint worth it bro:)
Thanks, Dave--you gave me my laugh for the day. You know, the part about fluos getting shot out in my area. I don't give a hoot what anybody ELSE does with 'em, so I'm pretty sure I could pick a more logical rampage if I felt the overwhelming need to go on one.
Totally agree about not having the bulb (of any sort, for that matter) hitting you square in they eye. Set one up that did that--didn't mean to, really, just not thinking--and lost a bit of long range vision in my right eye because of it before I realized what I'd done to myself. That was in the Montana cabin in 1999. Repositioned the lamp a few months later but the damage was already done. The GOOD news is that athough it took years to happen, it seems like most if not all of that "bad vision" healed itself. Definitely a matter for feeling gratitude!
Iðunn says:
2 years ago
I'm big on using daylight as much as possible and artificial light as little as possible.
I had no details on the lighting dangers and specifics, however, and your read was fascinating. I do know sunlight is healthy. :)