Depending on what region of the world, either inexpensive incandescent light bulbs are banned, or they will be within the next couple of years. The various government policies are ostensibly meant to lower energy and consumption and carbon production. Until recently, the only options promoted are either too expensive or too unhealthy. Fortunately, there is one recently developed bulb that is neither too expensive or unhealthy.
The Unhealthy Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb (CFL)
CFLs are more expensive than incandescent bulbs but last longer and consume less electricity. Although the quality of light has improved with recent CFL products, they are health and environmental hazards. They are filled with mercury, which if broken indoors will flood the space with toxic mercury vapors. Mercury is one of the most toxic elements on earth and it affects the nervous system and kidneys. So that means there will be problems disposing expired CFLs.
But that's not all. CFLs emit EMF radiation because of the dirty electricity produced by the extremely rapid on and off internal electrical switching. This is common to all fluorescent lighting. EMF radiation has been linked to cancer, neurological disorders, and it plays havoc with diabetics. It's almost like living in a microwave with a living space full of CFLs.
For those with CFLs, a Graham-Stetzer or GS filter is available to cure the dirty electricity these bulbs generate and eliminate the EMF radiation. The GS filter would be wise to install wherever there is any kind of fluorescent lighting.
LEDs: Safer More Expensive Options
LEDs, or light emitting diodes, are very expensive. But they last a long time, much longer than any other type of bulb, and they consume the least amount of electricity. LED advocates argue that if you can handle the initial cost, the long term energy savings will pay off. Although the quality of light is better than CFLs, they are practical for only specific uses since the light they emit goes in the direction of where the bulb is pointed only.
Halogen: The Best Option
Sylvania announced on February 20th, 2010 that they have developed a halogen bulb that resembles the old fashioned incandescent bulbs and meets the imposed low energy standards required by governments. It produces a high quality bright, white light in all directions like the phased out incandescent bulbs.They contain no mercury and they produce no dirty electricity or EMF radiation.
Halogen filaments are those little bright lights, which are ruined by direct skin contact, with two pins for inserting into small desk lamps or other special light sources. But Sylvania is placing them into regular light bulbs, making them easy to handle and use in any light socket. They cost around the same as CFLs and last about as long.
This CBC TV clip demonstrates the EMF issues of CFLs quite well.
Paul Louis - Paul Louis has written several articles for a variety of subjects. He has retired from the mortgage - real estate madness in the USA and ...
