Energy-saving lightbulbs branded a health hazard

NEW energy-efficient lightbulbs could pose a threat to the elderly and to people with less-than-perfect eyesight, it was claimed yesterday.

The Labour peer Baroness Hollis of Heigham told the House of Lords the bulbs took much longer than standard ones to light up fully and were potentially dangerous on stairs and landings.

Lord Rooker, the environment minister, agreed there was a problem and called on manufacturers to rectify it.

However, he said technology had improved the performance of energy-saving bulbs.

"Things are improving," he said. "If the bulbs carry the energy-saving recommended logo, they will reach at least 60 per cent of their brightness in 60 seconds."

However, he admitted: "There are sometimes rooms that have no windows, such as bathrooms and cupboards, where one needs to have the light on straightaway. This is a matter that has got to be dealt with by the industry."

The minister said the number of energy-efficient lightbulbs in British homes had risen from 26 million in 2000 to 110 million last year.

And he said it was intended that Britain should lead Europe in the usage of more efficient and greener lightbulbs.

"We are working with energy suppliers, the Energy Saving Trust, retailers and manufacturers to phase out inefficient light bulbs in the UK, ahead of our European partners," Lord Rooker said
RAYMOND HAINEY
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