http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1161899/Low-energy-
bulbs-worsen-skin-disorders-risk-medical-exemption-say-
doctors.html

Low-energy bulbs 'worsen skin disorders' and those at risk
should have medical exemption, say doctors
By David Derbyshire
Last updated at 1:21 AM on 14th March 2009

The phasing out of traditional light bulbs could cause misery
for thousands who have light-sensitive skin disorders, medical
experts warned yesterday.

Dr Robert Sarkany said some low-energy bulbs gave vulnerable
people painful rashes and swelling.

He backed calls by patient groups for the Government to give
medical exemptions for those at risk.

The warning comes as British shops start to clear their shelves
of traditional bulbs, which are being replaced by more energy-
efficient versions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

A break with tradition: Medical experts say people with light-
sensitive skin disorders should be exempt from using low-energy
light bulbs

Large retailers have already stopped selling conventional 100-
watt bulbs, the most popular size.

They will be banned from September along with frosted 60-watt
and 40-watt bulbs, followed by most others before 2012.

Shoppers will then be able to buy only halogen bulbs - which
resemble normal bulbs but use 70 per cent of the energy - or
compact fluorescent ones, which use just 30 per cent of the
energy.

Although low-energy bulbs cut household electricity bills, the
move has proved unpopular with shoppers.

Halogens are more expensive - costing around £1.99 each - while
critics say the fluorescent type have an unattractive harsh
light and take up to a minute to warm up to full strength.

But medical charities say the light from low-energy bulbs
triggers migraines, epilepsy and rashes.

Dr Sarkany, a photodermatologist at St John's Institute of
Dermatology, St Thomas' Hospital, in London, said he has treated
patients for rashes caused by exposure to low-energy lamps.

Some suffer from lupus, a disease of the immune system that can
cause skin to become hypersensitive to sunlight.

But Dr Sarkany said lupus sufferers were also reporting an
adverse reaction to fluorescent lights.

He added: 'Patients with lupus feel strongly about this. They
feel their skin deteriorates with fluorescent lights and have
taken this issue to Parliament.'

A spokesman for Skin Care Campaign said: 'The main concern is
over the intensity of the ultraviolet light from low-energy
bulbs.

'Particularly for people with skin conditions such as lupus,
eczema and psoriasis, it causes a lot of problem with burning.

'There are also more unusual conditions where people are
completely light-sensitive.
'At the moment, they can use a traditional incandescent light
bulb because the ultraviolet light is so dim.

'But low-energy fluorescent lights are a problem.'

Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday, Evening Standard &
Metro Media Group
© 2009 Associated Newspapers Ltd

(read the comments on that link as they include many personal
stories of suffering from these lights)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1161899/Low-energy-
light-bulbs-cause-rashes-swelling-sensitive-skin-warn-
experts.html