European customers with reservations to the new energy saving bulbs

Europe’s leading organizations for the protection of consumers have expressed disapproval of the planned transition to full energy saving bulbs, which will start gradually from next week, told EUobserver.
From 1 September 100 watts incandescent bulbs will be banned from sale in EU countries, this is the first stage of the planned switch entirely to energy-saving bulbs, which is expected to take several years.
The most widely used bulbs – those of 40 or 25 watts, will be prohibited in 2012, but the whole process is planned to be completed by 2016
This decision was taken by EU leaders in March 2007 to estimates of the European Commission after the completion of the replacement of traditional light bulbs will save annually about 40 teravatchasa electricity.
By organizations for consumer protection welcomed the financial and environmental benefits of the decision, but at the same time fear of obstacles such as lack of appropriate products for people with health problems.
„We call on European Commission to take immediate measures to enable people who rely on incandescent bulbs, they can buy them until they be offered a suitable alternative, said in a statement to the Brussels-based organization for the protection of rights Consumer BEUC.
Moreover, the group stressed their fears of health risks from high levels of mercury in the new bulb. They urge the Commission to reduce the limits on mercury content and provide better system for recycling.
A recent survey of consumer opinion in Austria showed that 64 percent of respondents believe the new EU rules on the elimination of traditional light bulbs to meaningless.
Over half of the interviewed Austrians (60.4 percent) said they were poorly informed about energy-saving bulbs and 43 percent said that the new bulbs they lack variety in terms of design and dimensions.
53.6 percent did fear for his health in the event that a bulb is broken, because the mercury content.

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