IT HAS illuminated our lives for over a century – but from today the old-fashioned 100 watt incandescent lightbulb is to be phased out as part of a European Union drive to curb climate change.
Countries across the EU will start the mandatory phase-out of 100w and frosted incandescent lightbulbs in favour of energy-efficient Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) following a voluntary phase which started in 2007.
The new bulbs use up to 80% less electricity than standard ones, cut a home’s yearly energy bill by £37 and save 135kg of CO² annually, the Energy Saving Trust said.
But the move comes amid fears Britain now faces a gloomier future as well as claims by campaigners the new lightbulbs can trigger migraines, exacerbate skin conditions, and lead to other health problems.
