seekhelp
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 15067
posted
I recently thought about something I did. Over the last two weeks I saw these spiral Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs were majorly discounted due to a credit provided by the electric company. I got excited about energy savings. I bought a bunch and replaced 50% of my incandescent bulbs with these new ones. I couldn't do it in ones with dimmer units.
The last two weeks I have felt HORRENDOUS. I don't know how much is coincidence or something more??? I've been getting extremely stiff muscles to the point where it's hard to close my hands. Bad headaches, terrible stomach issues, worst head pressure, a completel neurological mess. I spent much of my time in my home office and the light was glaring down.
I just ripped them all out and replaced with the old bulbs again. I need to know. Has anyone experienced horrible symptoms with these bulbs or am I being paranoid?
Posts: 7545 | From The 5th Dimension - The Twilight Zone | Registered: Mar 2008
| IP: Logged |
Razzle
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 30398
posted
I didn't keep them in long enough to notice...because when I tried a CFL bulb in the lamp in the living room, the crazy thing burned out right away.
And CFL's in my bedroom ceiling light almost burned down the house (there were sparks thrown, and scorch marks on the lamp and on the bulb).
I refuse to use CFL's - I think they are poorly designed and dangerous.
-------------------- -Razzle Lyme IgM IGeneX Pos. 18+++, 23-25+, 30++, 31+, 34++, 39 IND, 83-93 IND; IgG IGeneX Neg. 30+, 39 IND; Mayo/CDC Pos. IgM 23+, 39+; IgG Mayo/CDC Neg. band 41+; Bart. (clinical dx; Fry Labs neg. for all coinfections), sx >30 yrs. Posts: 4167 | From WA | Registered: Feb 2011
| IP: Logged |
seekhelp
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 15067
posted
OMG. That sounds scary Razzle!! I'd rip them out too under those circumstances.
Posts: 7545 | From The 5th Dimension - The Twilight Zone | Registered: Mar 2008
| IP: Logged |
I didn't keep them in the house long enough to find out!! Hope you feel better.
I agree with you Razzle.
AND they have mercury in them, which is a hazard if they should break. Not good for the environment when you dispose of them either!!!
I also hate the light they give off. I ended up putting ours in the garage light sockets where they might last longer and keep me off the ladder replacing all the time!
-------------------- LAXlover Posts: 371 | From Northern Baltimore Area | Registered: Apr 2010
| IP: Logged |
Razzle
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 30398
posted
I've also read that the CFL's flicker, which can trigger seizures in those with a seizure disorder (just like the long tube fluorescent bulbs...).
-------------------- -Razzle Lyme IgM IGeneX Pos. 18+++, 23-25+, 30++, 31+, 34++, 39 IND, 83-93 IND; IgG IGeneX Neg. 30+, 39 IND; Mayo/CDC Pos. IgM 23+, 39+; IgG Mayo/CDC Neg. band 41+; Bart. (clinical dx; Fry Labs neg. for all coinfections), sx >30 yrs. Posts: 4167 | From WA | Registered: Feb 2011
| IP: Logged |
posted
Well due to ALL the regulations by the EPA we are going to ALL have to have either CFL or LED lights in your house. If anyone wants to redo a room you have to pay to get a permit that says you MUST have 50% CFL or LED lights. I am buying up as many of the old light bulbs as I can because the CFL has mercury in them and both types can cause seizures in some people. Thank you this administration for all these greedy regulations !!! Isn't this fun??
Posts: 871 | From orange county, ca. | Registered: Jan 2006
| IP: Logged |
When I was researching EMFs (electromagnetic fields) recently, I was surprised to read that CFL's generate really high EMFs. (I would add the only good thing about EMF's is that they drop off dramatically with distance, so distance from CFL's is a good thing).
CFLs also send radiation back through the electric wires, creating "dirty electricity" around the house which can radiate anywhere.
I am posting a few internet links on CFLs and health effects. The symptoms sound similar to what you are experiencing. I would get rid of those bulbs, but remember you have to take them to a collection site as they contain so much mercury you cannot throw them in the garbage.
Great detective work connecting the bulbs with the onset/worsening of these symptoms! If your symptoms clear up now that you've replaced the CFL's. that should definitely tell you if they were the problem!
Razzle, the articles that I read said that CFLs do not flicker like the old fluorescent lights, so I think its likely the EMF and the radiation thats causing health problems in people.
Here are some quotes from the 3 links at the bottom of this post:
�A lot of people are responding negatively to these light bulbs. They get headaches; they get other body aches and pains. Some of them have difficulty sleeping they�re tired, some have mood disorders....�
"Incandescent lamps emit very little electromagnetic radiation. CFLs on the contrary emit radiofrequency radiation in the frequency range of 25 to 100 kilohertz (kHz).
Measurements by the independent French research centre CRIIREM show that CFLs generate powerful electromagnetic fields (EMF) close to the source, up to 1 meter distance (1). At a distance of 20 centimeters, radiation levels can be as high as 180 Volts per meter (!) Measurements by the Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO) have confirmed these findings (2).
CRIIREM therefore advises not to use energy saving lamps at too close a distance, for example, as desk lamps or as a reading lamp beside the bed (3)."
"Typical symptoms include dizziness, nausea, tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears), headaches and various skin disorders. In particular, many sufferers from migraine and epilepsy have found that they still aggravate their conditions".
Although this quote is about electrosensitivity, the article was about CFL's: "The symptoms of electrosensitivity are many and varied and not everyone suffers in the same way or to the same degree. Some of the effects are on the brain and nervous system and often become apparent during or shortly after exposure. They include dizziness, tinnitus, pins and needles, sensations of burning, numbness, fatigue and headaches. Longer-term effects include skin disorders, gut problems and an increased tendency to allergies and multiple chemical sensitivities."
Please update us on if you feel better with the new (old) bulbs,
Good luck, Krystal
Posts: 24 | From West Coast | Registered: Sep 2011
| IP: Logged |
Abxnomore
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18936
posted
Correct, those bulbs are a horror and unhealthy. Good thing you got rid of them. Last year because everything was sold out, I bought a set of LED lights for my Christmas tree.
They made me feel horrible when I looked at the tree. My head felt off, not dizzy but just not right and my stomach was queasy. I tossed them.
Yes, those spiral bulbs contain mercury. They are evil and they are going to be forced on us.
Read the clean up guidelines from the EPA if you ever break one in your home. You practically need a hazmat suit:
posted
The even worst dishonesty in this is that GE who owns the patent on these bulbs is the company that lobbied to have the EPA and this administration to pass this bill to regulate these bulbs on us,
BUT>>>GE is also selling the old bulbs to CHINA to their population !!! SOOOOOO GE is forcing us to be "green" while they continue to sell the regular bulbs in China...can you say corrupt????
Posts: 871 | From orange county, ca. | Registered: Jan 2006
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by sk8ter: The even worst dishonesty in this is that GE who owns the patent on these bulbs is the company that lobbied to have the EPA and this administration to pass this bill to regulate these bulbs on us,
BUT>>>GE is also selling the old bulbs to CHINA to their population !!! SOOOOOO GE is forcing us to be "green" while they continue to sell the regular bulbs in China...can you say corrupt????
- If enough people complain, maybe we can get Congress to reverse the law. It's so stupid. I now have some CFLs in my house, but reading what happened to Razzle scares me!! And hubby dropped and broke one a few months ago!! That scares me just as much!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
You can still find some bulbs at hardware stores..Buy all that you can as they last for about 1 year each.
Posts: 871 | From orange county, ca. | Registered: Jan 2006
| IP: Logged |
karenl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 17753
posted
seek,
they are not allowed for you.
Did I ever ask if your mattress could be moldy? I test for mold exactly in the spot where my head is so I also find mold near the bed.
Did you test for radon - a gas, this could also make your eye problem. As you have eye problems I am sure it is something in the air: - mold - toxins like VOCs - radon
Posts: 1834 | From US | Registered: Oct 2008
| IP: Logged |
NanaDubo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 14794
posted
My trash collection service has a recording on their answering machine about CFL bulbs. They have a special pick up service specifically for those bulbs. I think Home Depot takes the burnt out ones as well.
My son put LED lights on his Christmas tree because he read the regular ones have lead in them. Can't win.
My local supermarkets still sell regular bulbs as does BJs wholesale club. I plan on filling an area of my basement with them!!
Posts: 1129 | From Maine | Registered: Feb 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
wow, this makes me so mad. they know these bulbs can cause serious problems but yet, it's going to be a law that we have to use them!
Posts: 287 | From somewhere | Registered: Oct 2011
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- I cannot be around ANY kind of fluorescent light as they trigger seizures for me.
People with ANY kind of vestibular issues should not be around ANY kind of fluorescent, no matter how new fangled they are.
That being said, if you HAVE to, try only those about 3000 K (Kelvin) in the warmer orange hue range, rather than the lower K in the cold blue range.
Until Dec. 31, you should be able to still buy incandescent bulbs but they may already be out of stock. If you can find them, BUY THEM UP.
Buy enough to take with you when you visit relatives, etc. Seriously. This can be awkward but if it saves a toll on your health in ANY way, it's worth that little extra effort and tell them you'll pay the extra costs for their electricity if they are concerned.
There's a long life bulb I just saw in the catalog from VERMONT COUNTRY STORE that I circled to get when I had more money.
Some incandescent bulbs are a blue tone, intending to replicated the sun's light. Those are good for day time but, still, a softer orange hue light better for evening.
I'll be back with some notes later in the day but - really - I think NO ONE should be around any kind of fluorescent. The way the light impulses are can really toss a lot of people off the tracks.
You might want to search Epilepsy sites for advice. Especially in the UK, there have been several articles on this topic over the past few years.
A cross search with "migraine" might also lead you to some advice. These kind of lights have been known to trigger migraines, too.
For the record, I DO care about the planet but my brain exploding from bad light bulbs rather wrecks my universe. The uneasiness they cause others is also going to take a toll. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
We haven't been able to find incandescent bulbs in our local stores for well over a year now. Makes me wonder if all these CFL bulbs are contributing to my increasing amount of migraine headaches. That's a sad and scary thought.
Maybe I should try to switch to LED. Can LED trigger migraines too?
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- LED are also very bad for me. I can't even stand a LED flashlight, it just makes me so sick. The LED light waves are very unsettling.
Try web sites for bulbs. I got some from Office Depot, too. Try your lighting specialty stores in your town. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
Will there be any exceptions to this new law (and the ability to still buy and use the old regular light bulbs) allowed for those with migraines or epilepsy?
This is really scary!
Posts: 648 | From northeast | Registered: Feb 2009
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Lawmakers rarely do all their homework. -
[ 11-05-2011, 03:35 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
sparkle7
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10397
posted
I think people will need to sell the old bulbs under a special permit - like that they are "heat lamps". I recall hearing of someone in Europe doing this.
It's really awful. If you break one in your house - it's a major toxic health problem. They need to be disposed of separately since they are so toxic. I'm sure many people will be just throwing them out in the regular trash, though.
There are a couple of states that may still allow the incandescent ones to be sold - like South Carolina. They passed a law there stating that they could still sell them there after they outlaw them in the rest of the country. I recall reading about it in the newspaper when I was there.
I had a CF in a lamp by a radio & it would interfere with the transmission. I could see that it would have a bad effect on health. I always hated being around fluorescent lights.
It's just one issue after another that shows disregard for people's health. I don't think it will end anytime soon.
Posts: 7772 | From Northeast, again... | Registered: Oct 2006
| IP: Logged |
sparkle7
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10397
posted
On a quick search - this company will still sell them after 2012 -
I think you will still be able to find them. It's just that you will have to look harder & find different companies than the usual ones.
Posts: 7772 | From Northeast, again... | Registered: Oct 2006
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Sparkle,
Thanks for that link. I have one Verilux bulb that has lasted a very long time. I was concerned when my shopper came back from the store with a clear bulb but it has worked out very well in my kitchen lamp on top of my fridge.
I'd been meaning to get more like it but forgot the brand name. So, that link really helps. I LOVE Links.
=========================
I just called a local lighting store in my city and the guy sounded very informed about the law.
[now, I should Google to find the law but just too tired]
Although he said he'd not had anyone call with seizure or vestibular conditions on the hunt for bulbs, he did say that he's had many calls from folks in a panic because they just like the regular bulbs.
He said that it's ONLY the 100 Watt bulbs that will be outlawed. Not others.
But, as the country is on the wave, incandescent bulbs of other types will be harder to find.
So, more to learn. Just so tired.
My hope, though, is that there will be a better light bulb that won't make me sick and will also be kind to the planet.
I did read last week about some that are better than others but it did not consider medical conditions. More to learn about that.
This is a good thread and I hope others may post details about bulbs that might be better than others. If I get around to it, I'll be back with what I've learned.
But, really, that VERILUX link from Sparkle may be all we need. Ahhhhh. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
I agree with Keebler's source, from what I've read, on Jan. 1st 2012 only the 100W bulbs will not be allowed to be sold. 75W and 60W will still be legal.
But, there are additional phase-outs in 2013 and 2014; if you google the law on the internet, this is what you will find:
"In 2012, 100 watt bulbs will no longer be sold at stores. In 2013 75 watt bulbs will be gone, and in 2014 40 watt and 60 watt bulbs will be phased out".
In my part of the country, incandescent bulbs are still available at many stores - of course I don't know how long that will last!
Krystal
Posts: 24 | From West Coast | Registered: Sep 2011
| IP: Logged |
sparkle7
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10397
In the age of scientific management any adjustment in the "norm" can mean big money for those concerned. If they make it a hassle to buy a certain product, most people will not go the extra length to find other sources. So, they make money...
I just hope this doesn't happen with our supplements & herbs!
Posts: 7772 | From Northeast, again... | Registered: Oct 2006
| IP: Logged |
It's really awful. If you break one in your house - it's a major toxic health problem. They need to be disposed of separately since they are so toxic. I'm sure many people will be just throwing them out in the regular trash, though.
- You KNOW there will be millions of people throwing them in the regular trash... making our water and soil even more toxic than it is now.
Great environmental move, don't you think!!?
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
MichaelTampa
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 24868
posted
quote:Originally posted by sammy: We haven't been able to find incandescent bulbs in our local stores for well over a year now. Makes me wonder if all these CFL bulbs are contributing to my increasing amount of migraine headaches. That's a sad and scary thought.
Maybe I should try to switch to LED. Can LED trigger migraines too?
The fluorescent are terrible for me, but incandescent and LED are okay for me. In theory the lower wattage (below 40W) and 3-way bulbs will still be legal, but the question is whether companies will bother to supply them.
Then you see Keebler's response to LED, so everyone is different.
Posts: 1927 | From se usa | Registered: Mar 2010
| IP: Logged |
MichaelTampa
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 24868
posted
Here are some places for additional reading.
MichaelTampa
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 24868
posted
Just wanted to point out, the demise of our civilization has been reported prematurely. Was just at a Lowe's, and they still had incandescant bulbs in stock. Now, they are getting much less floor space than they did 6 months ago when I did most of my stocking up. So, I'd say, the demise is coming pretty soon. Get ready to hang on.
Posts: 1927 | From se usa | Registered: Mar 2010
| IP: Logged |
posted
Yes, I was surprised to find some 100 watts this morning which I bought up. Figure I'll buy some every time I'm out and about and see them--hopefully, I'll be stocked for a while (at least until a better solution comes out that is both good for people and the environment)--
I just can't tolerate CFL with my migraines and the whole mercury issue is really unnerving.......
My dd is so sensitive to FL that she instantly notices them flickering whenever we're in a big store or supermarket--I don't notice the flickering like she does, just get the resultant migraine.
I'll move on to the 75 watts in 2012, 60 watts, etc.
Wonder what kind of fine they'll be imposing should they discover our stashes of light bulbs--who would have thought I'd become a criminal by buying and using light bulbs?!!!
Are all countries imposing this change?
Posts: 648 | From northeast | Registered: Feb 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
welcome to socialism....no GE is selling the regular bulbs in China so they get profits from both ways !!!
Posts: 871 | From orange county, ca. | Registered: Jan 2006
| IP: Logged |
MichaelTampa
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 24868
posted
A few posts up I posted two links. For those interested, the second gives a bit of an overview of where else this is happening, which is many places (but of course not everywhere).
The law actually makes it illegal to sell them, so, unless additional laws are passed, it will not be illegal to own them or use them.
I have already bought several decades worth of bulbs. I will not be at all surprised if they become fully unavailable much sooner than the law dictates. At some point, it may not be feasible to make just the oddball ones for us. Of course, perhaps if legal in other big countries, we could be fine for a while. Have to wait and see.
Posts: 1927 | From se usa | Registered: Mar 2010
| IP: Logged |
Tammy N.
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 26835
posted
This is very upsetting.
We're currently living at my sister's with our 3 cats. Over the summer I accidently knocked over a lamp and broke one of those bulbs in the office (this is the room where my kitties have their litter box and food, and where they sleep at night). I vacuumed it up, that was all I did. I'm really upset about this now. I wonder if I contaminated the house.
My kitties have been having stomach issues. I planned on taking one to the vet to check for parasites. Now I'm wondering if there is fine dust or vapors still in the room poisoning them. Maybe this is causing the odd bowel issues. We haven't switched their food. And we've been giving digestive enzymes and probiotics, but nothing is working. That's why I thought maybe parasites.
Any ideas on how to help my kitties if they have been dangerously exposed?
I am very bummed about this. Another thing to worry about....
Posts: 2238 | From East Coast | Registered: Jul 2010
| IP: Logged |
posted
They're very much available at Wal Mart.. if you can stand to go there. I live where shopping there is not a hazard to my eyes or health yet...hahaha.
"GE" incandescent bulbs are made in Mexico now. I bought some yellow bug lights for my porch light last month and the first one lasted ONE WEEK! So much for that!!!!
Tammy .. I hope that is not your problem because the bulb my husband dropped is in my computer room, where I now sit.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
kidsgotlyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 23691
posted
I had read this thread a few days ago and was under the impression that we are not going to be able to buy incandescent bulbs after this year.
It's only the 100 watt bulbs that we won't be able to get after 2011. If their is some other law on the books that is going to effect us later on, could someone please post that? Thanks.
-------------------- symptoms since 1993 that I can remember. 9/2018 diagnosed with Borellia, Babesia Duncani, and Bartonella Hensalae thru DNA Connections. Posts: 1470 | From Tennessee | Registered: Dec 2009
| IP: Logged |
Tammy N.
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 26835
posted
Lymetoo - I would thoroughly wipe down every surface... even wires to phone and computers, lower walls, etc. I spent about 2 1/2 hours doing this. I used damp paper towels, disposing of them as I went along. (I think it was the EPA's website that recommended this). Also wear a face mask.
All we can do is our best. Hope it's enough. It's hard living in this toxic world always having to be on guard and hyper-vigilant. At least we have this site to share thoughts and support.
Posts: 2238 | From East Coast | Registered: Jul 2010
| IP: Logged |
kidsgotlyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 23691
posted
Thanks MichaelTampa!
-------------------- symptoms since 1993 that I can remember. 9/2018 diagnosed with Borellia, Babesia Duncani, and Bartonella Hensalae thru DNA Connections. Posts: 1470 | From Tennessee | Registered: Dec 2009
| IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
Bad headaches, terrible stomach issues, worst head pressure, a completel neurological mess. I spent much of my time in my home office and the light was glaring down.
![[shake]](graemlins/shake.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic