by Lorena Ávila Cantisani
Correspondent in Spain
The market for light bulbs may experience a tremendous growth as a result of the awareness raised by the news on global warming and a possible energy crisis, either through social awareness or particular economy.
"The promotion of these bulbs is simply irresponsible," said Enrique Perez, president of Arca Ibérica (National Association of the Heritage and Environment of Spain). They are promoted as a possible solution to the problem of global warming, but, in fact, they are causing another (greater) problem: the hyper-contamination by exposure to electromagnetic fields (...) and the one caused by mercury in lamps. "
Press articles such as "The shift to low energy bulbs can cause health problems" have been circulating throughout different media in Spain these days.
The Environmental Agency of the United Kingdon acknowledged that both commerce and govenment authorities should make greater efforts to inform the public of how to recycle this type of light bulbs.
Furthermore, it is not clear whether energy is actually saved by using low energy lamps. Many are wasted in the same way that regular light bulbs. They produce mercury vapor emissions from the very first moment they are used. They also produce radio and ultraviolet emissions, among others.
Discovery Salud, a journal which can be read online, publishes articles on the damage and diseases produced by these new bulbs. I share with you the link to the article written by the environmental specialist, Roberto Espinosa: www.greenpeace.org.ar/blog/lamparas-de-bajo-consumo-y-mercurio/32/
www.dsalud.com/index.php?pagina=articulo&c=162
