Lights Out For 100-Watt Incandescent Light Bulb In EU

London, U.K. (AHN) – The mandatory phase-out of the 100-watt incandescent and frosted light bulb takes effect in Europe Tuesday as part of the European Union’s drive to cut carbon dioxide emission and save on energy.

Replacing the 100-year-old bulb, whose sale is now banned, are energy-efficient Compact Florescent Lamps. A CFL bulb uses 90 percent less electricity than the incandescent bulb allowing savings in electric bills of up to $60 and non-emission of 298 pounds of carbon dioxide each year, according to the non-profit Energy Saving Trust.

Manufacturing and shipping of 100-watt incandescent bulbs will also be banned, but stores will be allowed to sell their remaining stock of such bulbs. Lower wattage incandescent light bulbs will also be phased out by 2012.

Some groups in the U.K., however, opposed the ban because about 36,000 people are sensitive to light from such bulbs and suffer skin rash or vomiting when exposed to it.