Phase out of Incandescent Bulbs

I'm forwarding this message on behalf of Evelyne Muller of Right to Light.
I think the attachment may not come through so if you want to see a copy of
Right to Light's response to the British White Paper, please email them
directly.

Julia Cameron

----- Original Message ----- 
"Evelyne Muller" RighttoLight@yahoo.co.uk
Subject: The Phase-out of incandescent light bulbs and your health


> Dear Friends
>
> I attach a copy of Right to Light's response to the British White Paper
> on domestic lighting.  Its not exactly bed-time reading but I hope it
> will make you aware of the arguments that can be put forward to support
> our case for lightbulbs that are safe for use to use, both at home and
> in the places which we need to access.  Although the White Paper made
> depressing reading, I was heartened by the fact that an experienced
> CFS/ME physician and academic replied to my request for evidence and has
> himself written a response to the White Paper.  Until DEFRA publishes
> all the responses - which it will do shortly  on its website - he does
> not want to speak out publically.  However, he has said that he has observed over 25 years, seeing over 4,000 patients with ME, that a minority can get severe symptoms and relapses from fluorescent lighting.  He is therefore advising the government to research the health impact of CFLs and other technologies on the various illness groups affected before withdrawing incandescent bulbs.  He also advises that the responsibility should be with the lighting industry to show that these bulbs are safe for everyone to use.
>
> He has also sent his response to Action for ME for publication in their
> next InterAction magazine.  I think that this is the first time that an
> experienced and respected physician has acknowledged the problem that
> some people with ME have with fluorescent lighting and will hopefully
> help us to gradually gain access to the outer world.
>
> All good wishes to you and if you have any money left over from stocking
> up on light bulbs, plese remember that Right to Light needs funds!   If
> you can think of a suitable fundraising activity that you could do - a
> candlit coffee morning?! - that would be great.  Also, do pass this on
> to anyone who may be interested.
>
> Many thanks
> Evelyne Muller
> Co-ordinator, Right to Light
>