The Big Oranjemund Lightbulb Change!

[Michael Alexander]

Well I came home from work 2day, to find that the mine had kindly removed all my old lightbulbs and replaced them with this energy saving white flourescent type thingy..... 24 bulbs in total....... I now feel like I am living in a Laboratory....... Wonder what the Men in Blue did to all my lightbulbs?   

Feels like the moon in here  ..... hello? thud! Blink! Blink!

[Rhona]

They are more calming on the eyes first thing in the morning - as the light up gently

[Michael Alexander]

I have just noticed that....... Everything is bright...as I burst into song!..."I wear my sunglasses at night!...lalalalalala!"

[SandyB]

Idiots , there is a " warm white" variety available ... I use them for all my side lamps , dont notice  the difference  if one chooses the correct wattage for the application ...  those bright  white variety are awful  and yes Mike make you  feel as though you in a lab  . bad choice on their behalf .. long term the advantage is power saving .. lots of little bits makes a lot ..

[Michael Alexander]

Damn! I can't read this post....it's tooo light in here...."Must go to the light! Head into the light!...the Light......aaaaaagh!"

[SandyB]

sounds bad ..  clinical light depression ??

[Michael Alexander]

CLD..Yep! Indeed.... so when I went to bed last night, in my white room...I turned off the new lights and lo and behold..... my tv, which was off......was glowing in the dark, well the screen was....I must research the negative aspects of these ESL's today...... 

[Michael Alexander]

Mmmmh! Here we go people...please feel free to add your voice.... I know what I shall be doing.....

"Fact

CLF bulbs contain mercury - a neurotoxin, highly dangerous to humans, wildlife and the environment. A single bulb contains a very small amount of mercury - approximately one fifth of that contained in a watch battery - or one hundredth of that contained in a household thermometer, however, the scale of the CLF revolution means that around twenty million households could contain around twenty bulbs equating to an enormous four hundred million bulbs (with an approximate lifespan of three to five years).

Consider that the mercury content of one bulb can pollute over five thousand litres of drinking water beyond safe drinking levels, it is essential that consumers are aware that CLF bulbs cannot be thrown in with household rubbish, destined for land fill sites where chemical leaching into the soil can occur.

Used or broken CLF bulbs must be disposed of correctly, clearly labelled as hazardous waste in sealed containers, or sent to specialist recycling plants.
Fact

CLF bulbs emit short wave ultra violet radiation. We are all aware of skin damage caused by prolonged exposure to the sun's dangerous UV rays, however, it is not widely known that fluorescent light emit's the same UV - but on a much smaller scale, some studies conclude that emissions have negligible effects upon skin as they are so low, however Cousins report 200 concluded that skin cancers were more prevalent in indoor workers that those who worked outside. It is clear that this is an issue that requires far more research.
Fact

CLF bulbs emit greater numbers of positive ions than the traditional incandescent bulb.

You can't see or smell them, but excessive positive ions in the atmosphere can make us ill.

Studies have shown that atmospheres of excessive positive ions increase the production of stress hormones, resulting in a variety of symptoms including anxiety, dizziness, upset stomachs, depression.

Negative ions, increase the levels of oxygen in the bloodstream thus providing a feeling of well being, decreasing drowsiness and increased physical and mental alertness.

The human body takes in negative charges and emits positive charges.

Positive ions are emitted from all electrical and electronic equipment, the modern home and workplace are becoming increasingly positively charged environments.

The use of ionisers in the home, office and car can combat the unquantifiable, detrimental effects on health.

It must be concluded that the benefits of the energy saving bulbs could far outweigh the drawbacks as long as we are all "switched on" to the facts."

[Michael Alexander]

After a brief debate in the office here this morning, a conclusion was reached...The company is trying to do an admirable thing by cutting back on power consumption..... however, they have not explained to the masses how to safely dispose of these mercury poisoned lights and when the resident comes to buy a new bulb and see's that the old fashioned bulb only costs N$5.45 as to the Flourescents that cost N$16.00 , that they will go for the cheaper one....en masse...

It's just human nature.......

[Diana Rudd (Boehme)]

We had the Big Light bulb change in Table View sometime ago, Eskom came round and supplied us with the new ones and TOOK our old ones. I am not up to speed with mercury's and uv rays but mmmm.... maybe thats why I'm tired and not alert. I've found them ok and they do glow for a while after you switch them off. Not my T>V though.
Interesting info Michael.

[Michael Alexander]

...and my eyes hurt today..... I'm gonna have to dig up more dirt on this BRIGHT idea!

[Skinny]

@Mike, these new bulbs are also deadly for us shake rattle and rollers! All the epileptics in the town are staying with the old bulbs in their houses and new outside, because the American Medicines council study showed a huge increase in people suffering with more fits and increases in migraine sufferers after having these bulbs in their houses. I passed on the findings to the relevant people and so all of us that suffer with epilepsy are exempt. Now that is one thing the mine is good at, caring for those who need it. My thanks to the powers that be saving me from more fits.

[Michael Alexander]

Thanks Skinny, here is an article:

" Energy-saving light bulbs blamed for migraines



The energy-saving light bulbs that will be made compulsory in homes in a few years can trigger migraines, campaigners have claimed.

The Migraine Action Association (MAA) said some of its members alleged the fluorescent bulbs had led to attacks of the powerful headaches.
   
An energy-saving light bulb
Some energy-saving bulbs may triggers headaches

By 2011, Britain will be the first European country to phase out traditional bulbs as part of a strategy to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

The MAA is calling on the Government to avoid a complete ban on old-style bulbs, by providing an opt-out for people with health problems.

Last year it was claimed that the "green" bulbs can cause people with epilepsy to experience symptoms similar to the early stages of a fit.

There have also been complaints from people with lupus, a chronic immune disease that causes pain and extreme tiredness.

Low energy light bulbs use only a quarter of the energy consumed by traditional versions and are estimated to save 2,000 times their weight in greenhouse gases.

They are often five times more expensive but the greater efficiency means they can pay for themselves within months.
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Several versions use a technology similar to fluorescent strip lights and some migraine sufferers say they produce a flickering effect that triggers their condition.

Karen Manning, from the MAA, said: "When the Government announced that traditional light bulbs would be phased out, we were inundated with over 200 calls and emails from members who said the flickering had caused migraines.

"This is a debilitating condition which can often leave people bed-ridden for days.

"The bulbs do not necessarily affect every sufferer, but we are talking about up to six million people in the UK who suffer migraines - so this is a serious concern.

"We would ask the Government to avoid banning them completely and leave some opportunity for conventional bulbs to be purchased."

The Lighting Association, which represents manufacturers, denied that modern designs produced a flicker.

A spokesman said: "A small number of cases have been reported by people who suffer from reactions to certain types of linear fluorescent lamps. These were almost certainly triggered by old technology."

[Michael Alexander]

And of course the loony's on the fringe...      

"Compact fluorescent light bulbs are increasing in popularity. SarahK is adamant about us not using them for medical and religious reasons, but Glenn Reynolds of Instapundit has been a big proponent of them (he keeps track of readers who have converted their lighting on his site's sidebar). Since he's not one to jump on the bandwagon of environmental causes, I figured there must be something else afoot if one who drinks blended puppy suddenly has an interest in light bulbs. Here's what I found out put into an easy to read FAQ format:

COMPACT FLUORESCENT LIGHT BULBS FAQ

Q. Why would I want to replace my incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs?

A. A CFL uses only one-fifth to one-fourth the energy of an incandescent bulb which saves money and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Also, CFLs last up to fifteen times as long as incandescent bulbs.
It will light your house with its dark power.
Q. How is it that CFLs use less energy than regular incandescent light bulbs?

A. A CFL turns electricity much more efficiently into light than an incandescent bulb which wastes 90% of the electricity in consumes in the form of heat. Also, instead of drawing all its power from electricity, a CFL also draws some of its power from Satan (check the packaging of the bulb for the specific percentage).

Q. Is it true that a CFL will dim over time?

A. CFLs may dim before reaching the end of their lifespan. Also, repeated exposure to the effects of a CFL will eventually erodes one's soul, causing everything to look dimmer despite no change in actual light output.

Q. Are there special environmental concerns in disposing of CFLs?

A. Since CFLs contain mercury, special disposal procedures should be followed. Also, if a CFL breaks, a certain amount of evil will be released into the world. Remains should not be handled until the area is cleaned by the EPA and exorsized by a priest.

Q. Is the light from a CFL the same as that of an incandescent bulb?

A. A CFL emits light on a different wavelength than an incandescent bulb. While the light is similar, some describe it as slightly "unnatural" or "evil." All the effects of the wavelength haven't been fully classified, and some say that if you stare directly into the bulb, you'll get glimpses of another dimension filled with beings of unimaginable horror and that to fully realize them would cause madness. Thus, staring at a CFL is not recommended.

Q. Can the light from a CFL cause seizures?

A. There is evidence of increased seizure risk, but it should be noted that CFLs thrive on human suffering and watching you fall into a epileptic fit will increase the CFL's efficacy.

Q. Ever since installing CFLs in my home, I've felt cold even though the thermostat notes no difference in temperature. Why is that?

A. Since CFLs waste less energy as heat, the area directly around a CFL may not feel as warm as you may have been acquainted to. Also, most theologians agree that God will not dwell where the light of a CFL shines. This separation from the love of the Almighty is often described as a vague feeling of "coldness." Intense depression may follow.

Q. After using CFLs, I tend to have horrible dreams. I can't remember what happens in them, but I wake up in a cold sweat and have an odd sense of dread for the rest of the day. I've begun to fear sleeping. Is this normal?

A. Yes.

Q. I think I heard voices coming from my CFL urging me to kill my family. Have I gone insane?

A. No. Sometimes demons will use a CFL as a way to open a path of communication between their dark dimension and our own. Since they prey on man when he is weak, make sure to stay away from all CFLs if you're feeling particularly mentally vulnerable.

Q. I have this feeling that my prayers are ineffective when a CFL is shining on me. Why is that?

A. While some say its blasphemous to put a limit to God's power, many still believe that the wavelength emitted by a CFL effectively corrupts one's prayers and keeps God from hearing them. It is recommended you turn off all CFLs in your household before trying to communicate with a benevolent higher power. It should be noted, though, that your prayers will most likely be in vain since purchasing a CFL may be viewed as a tacit agreement with Satan."

[Bertie Horak]

 

Myself - new lights not for me - makes my vision go all funny.  Shhhhhhhht, don't tell my patients!