Don't Ban Incandescent Bulbs!


They're going to ban the incandescent lightbulb. No, really.

Starting in January 2012, 100 Watt incandescent bulbs will be banned in the U.S.

Incandescent lightbulbs of other wattages will be banned in later years. Higher efficiency incandescents will continue to be available, but at a higher price than traditional incandescents. Some speciality incandescents (like refrigerator bulbs) and 3-way bulbs will still be available, but not the regular lightbulbs you've been using in lamps and lighting fixtures for years. And, the long-term plan is to completely replace the incandescent bulb entirely.

All of that is supposed to encourage us to use LED and CFL (compact fluorescent) lightbulbs. Both cost more than regular incandescents, and that's despite the dangers CFL bulbs pose.

This site highlights the risks of CFL bulbs and describes what you can do.

CFLs Might Cause Health Problems

CFLs might disrupt sleep, increase risk of breast cancer, and cause headaches and skin problems.

1996: Mercury Batteries Banned Over Environmental Concerns

On an ironic note, in 1996 Congress effectively banned many batteries containing mercury due to environmental and health concerns.

Canada Might Delay Their Ban

Canada is at least considering delaying their own ban on incandescents. But...

CFLs And Skin Cancer

A new study shows that CFL bulbs emit so much UV radiation, they might cause skin cancer.

Partial success

On Thursday, December 15, 2011 the incandescent bulb ban was effectively put on hold until September 30, 2012. The 2007 law that mandates the phase out of incandescents is still in place, but Republican legislators were able to defund it temporarily.

Bear in mind that this is just a temporary suspension, not a permanent roll back of that law.

What You Can Do

There are at least four things you can do if you want to continue using incandescent bulbs or you don't want to switch to compact fluorescents:

Congressional Bill Would Repeal the Ban

Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) is sponsoring the "BULB Act" that would repeal the incandescent ban. The bill failed in the House on July 12, 2011, and it probably doesn't stand much chance passing. Barton says he'll try to get it re-considered or might attach it to another bill. All is not lost, but it would take a very large number of people contacting Congress to have much effect.

Texas Strikes Back!

Incandescent bulbs won't be banned in Texas due to a law signed in 2011, but there's one major catch: the bulbs have to be manufactured in Texas and only for use in that state.

CFLs Release a Toxic Cloud

According to a researcher at Berlin's Alab Laboratory, CFLs release a toxic cloud of carcinogenic materials.

Glenn Beck: horde light bulbs

<h2>Glenn Beck: horde light bulbs</h2>

On his May 17th, 2011 show, Glenn Beck suggested hording incandescents and warned about "$50 [LED] lightbulbs coming your way." Click the image to watch the video.

How to Clean Up a Broken CFL Bulb?

I've included below the full instructions from the EPA to clean up after a broken CFL bulb. You don't need a Hazmat suit, it's just awfully close to it. Read the following before deciding if you want them in your home and around your kids:

An Alternative View

<h2>An Alternative View</h2>

A libertarian attempts to analyze the full costs of incandescents vs. CFL lights, but misses a few things. Click the image to watch the video.

The Bottom Line

So, what's the bottom line on the total cost of CFLs versus incandescents?