Our Current Issue
Incandescent Bulbs and LUPUS?
 Contact Legislators about CFLs and Their Impact on Lupus Patients |
 |
|
As you may know, on December 19, 2007, President Bush signed the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. 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 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 Government Relations Department would like your help in collecting stories from people in your chapters that are affected by fluorescent light bulbs so we can share these personal experiences with Congress.
|
