Flourescent lights...

Faith · Cobra Joined: 25 Sep 2007 Posts: 461 Location: California

Hi ladies,

I emailed my local LFA in CA and received the following reply for the flourescent light issue:

The Lupus Foundation of America’s National office would like to show Members of Congress what impact CFLs and other fluorescent light bulbs have on people with lupus. The LFA Government Relations Department is collecting stories from people that are affected by fluorescent light bulbs so we can share these personal experiences with Congress. If you are interested print and fill out the attached disclaimer and send us your story. Please make sure to include specifics and factual details in your story. Unforunately, I am unable to attch the form; but if you call your nearest LFA office asking for a release and tell your story.

Please feel free to give me a call at 877-225-8787 if you have questions.
Our mailing address is:
Lupus Foundation of America – California Chapter
840 Hinckley Road, Suite 246
Burlingame, CA 94010

laurid8967 · Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 7:03 am Post subject:

Good for you Faith, for taking action...Its only due to people like you that anyone knows of our struggles with this disease.
Thank you,
Lauri
_________________
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference...

mnjodette · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 8:12 am Post subject:

This morning I received this info in an email from the Lupus Foundation of America. Many of you probably did, too, but thought I'd post as an FYI:

"Ban of Current Incandescent Light Bulbs

On December 19, 2007, President Bush signed the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (Public Law No: 110-140). Under the new law, all light bulbs must use 25% to 30% less energy than today’s light bulbs by 2012-2014. Since today’s incandescent light bulbs do not fit the energy efficiency standard, there will be a phase-out of current incandescent light bulbs. The phase-out will start with 100-watt bulbs in January 2012 and end with 40-watt bulbs in January 2014. By 2020, bulbs on the market must meet the 70% efficiency standard.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) already meet the 70% efficiency standard, which means that most public spaces and homes are switching to CFLs. As you may know, some reports suggest that there may be enough UVB radiation in fluorescent light bulbs to cause photosensitivity in people with lupus.

The LFA government relations staff has been working with other groups affected by this legislation to form a coalition: Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation, National Psoriasis Foundation, Epilepsy Foundation, MAGNUM, and American Academy of Neurology. The LFA government relations staff and this coalition have scheduled meetings on Capitol Hill and are working with the light bulb industry to determine whether a new incandescent light bulb will be released before January 2012."
_________________
"Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine." Lord Byron

tintin28 · Little Guppy Joined: 27 Dec 2007 Posts: 30

Hi guys,

I am sorry for being out of it for months, I hope all of you are well. I know this is an old thread but thought I should give you guys an update on how the incandescent ban is coming along here in the forgotten corner of the globe.

I have been hassling our MPs regarding the light bulb ban for months and I received no useful response from the leader of the green party. I was told that it is RARE for people with lupus to experience effect from CFLs. (doesn't seem that rare to me if I am affected--or maybe they are saying I am nuts?)

Luckily, instead of a protracted battle, the government has since changed over and the new government has reversed the incandescent bulb ban (thank god). Governments should allow people to choose what they use in their homes--bans like this suggest that they think we are too stupid to make good decisions on our own. I think if there is a viable and eco-friendly alternative everyone will switch over--the reason why there is a reluctance to do so for many years is because the ecobulb technology is not at the stage where it can replace incandescent bulbs.

Hi Faith, how are you? Have things improved since our last post? I am a civil engineer too--but I teach fluid mechanics at the university here. The recession has hit the construction industries hard and many of my students are feeling the pressure.