Is it true that all standard light bulbs will be replaced with the new fluorescent light bulbs?

Answer 1

Yes, there is a move to ban Incandescent light bulbs which will likely be replaced by compact fluorescent or LED bulbs. There will be some exceptions to this for special applications where these technologies are not suited.

Australia is the first sovereign government to ban incandescent light bulbs.

Link

http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/env/2007/pubs/mr20feb07.pdf

California is considerating banning Incandescent light bulbs

Link

http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/comm-oddities/2007/02/california_legislators_to_cons.html

Ontario turns out the lights on inefficient (Incandescent) bulbs

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2007/04/18/ontario-lightbulb-ban.html

Answer 2

Replace is an interesting term. Who will replace the bulbs in my house? Me. Who will replace the bulbs in your house? You, hopefully. There is a lot to be said for just what type of bulbs we will be able to choose, when the time comes. There does not seem to be a move towards doing away with the manufacture and sell of standard bulbs. As of now, people are "encouraged" to use fluorescent bulbs where possible. The energy savings offset the higher bulb costs. However, bulbs for 3-Way switches and dimmer-switch lights must be specified to work with such. As noted earlier, there is the need to be mindful of disposing bulbs, and handling break situations. From Energystar.gov:

The following steps can be performed by the general public: 1. Open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes or more.
2. Carefully scoop up the fragments and powder with stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a sealed plastic bag. Use disposable rubber gloves, if available (i.e., do not use bare hands). Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes and place them in the plastic bag. Do not use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces.
3. Place all cleanup materials in a second sealed plastic bag. Place the first bag in a second sealed plastic bag and put it in the outdoor trash container or in another outdoor protected area for the next normal trash disposal. o Note: some states prohibit such trash disposal and require that broken and unbroken lamps be taken to a local recycling center. Wash your hands after disposing of the bag.
4. If a fluorescent bulb breaks on a rug or carpet: First, remove all materials you can without using a vacuum cleaner, following the steps above. Sticky tape (such as duct tape) can be used to pick up small pieces and powder. If vacuuming is needed after all visible materials are removed, vacuum the area where the bulb was broken, remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister) and put the bag or vacuum debris in two sealed plastic bags in the outdoor trash or protected outdoor location for normal disposal.

Answer 3

There is still one more problem with this solution.

If you have asthma and are using prescribed steroids for the condition, you cannot be exposed to UV rays or fluorescent lighting for any length of time without serious health problems resulting. Exposure causes immediate rashes and blistering of the skin and has a detrimental effect on the eyesight of the patient.

Asthma is a widespread health problem and the use of prescribed steroids to treat it is common. Therefore, many people in the population would actually be further compromised in their health, should the old lighting be replaced with fluorescent lighting.

Answer 4

I have heard this and hope it is true. I replaced every light in my home with the compact flourescents and my electric bill went down about $15 a month.

It has been estimated that if every household would change just one incandescent bulb to a compact flourescent we would be able to close two power plants. Think of the energy savings!

Answer 5

Oh the public outcry will be awful! First of all they contain mercury......minute amount......but it is recommended that burned out bulbs be recycled with appropriate approved disposal companies instead of tossing into garbage. Second if one breaks there are safety procedures such as open the widow first to allow mercury vapor to escape......etc.

I old enough and cynical enough after countless other government "crisis" to blow this one off. Convince me I'll save money, they will fit all my lamps and lamp shades, their price justifies the energy savings, and won't sacrifice brightness and then I'll listen.....until one of those suckers breaks.

Answer 6

Not all, but most. If it is very could, it takes for ever to get this guy's going.

Answer 7

No.