Thursday, January 03, 2008

Energy-saving bulbs 'can cause migraines' warn experts


Energy saving light bulbs can trigger migraines, health experts and charities warned last night.

They have been inundated with complaints about the fluorescent bulbs, which are due to become compulsory in homes within four years.

Campaigners are calling for the Government to allow an opt-out for people with health problems so they can continue to use old-style bulbs.

The warning follows concerns that eco-bulbs can trigger dizziness, loss of focus and discomfort among people with epilepsy.

There have also been complaints from people with lupus - an auto-immune disease causing many symptoms including pain.

Low energy lightbulbs are miniature versions of the fluorescent strip lights common in offices and kitchens. The latest generation are the size of conventional incandescent bulbs with a filament, but use just a quarter of the energy.

Although they are often five times the cost of old-fashioned bulbs, they use around a quarter of the energy and can pay for themselves within months. Critics, however, say the technology is still not up to scratch. Many complain the light is cold or green, and they take up to a minute to warm up properly, and because they are fluorescent, they flicker.

The Migraine Action Association said there was growing concern about the links between the bulbs and severe headaches.

Daily Mail

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