A ban on the selling of traditional incandescent light bulbs began across most of Europe on Tuesday as the continent tries to get people to save energy. Even those who advocate the decision think that the change could be problematic.
Under the light bulb ban, stores won’t be able to buy or import incandescent glass bulbs beginning on Tuesday. Retailers can, however, sell their current inventory until it is exhausted.
Newer compact fluorescent light bulbs are hailed as being more economical down the road as they use about 80 percent less energy and last much longer than traditional light bulbs.
They are more costly, however. One compact fluorescent light bulb can can run $14 or more where traditional bulbs cost about 70 cents each. E.U. officials are adamant that the energy savings over the long haul would more than make up for the higher cost of the new bulbs.
At a Monday press conference in Brussels, however, those same officials also found themselves dealing with more serious questions about health risks stemming from the mercury found in the new bulbs.
The U.S. will also have to deal with these issues as incandescent light bulbs are set to be phased out beginning in 2012.
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