Fluorescent bulbs: effects related to eczema, seizures, rashes and migraine.

Health advocates have warned the UK about its plan to phase out conventional (incandescent) light bulbs in favour of compact fluorescent bulbs which can cause serious health problems for people with photosensitivity.

Andrew Langford, dermatologist said, "Incandescent light bulbs remain the only source of light for many thousands of photosensitive people. "Add to that the thousands of patients whose treatments may result in increased light sensitivity as a side effect, and you have a large number of people who may be isolated in the dark."

The British government is considering banning the sale of less energy-efficient incandescent light bulbs after 2011, as part of an effort to reduce the greenhouse gases that cause global warming. But according to some reputable British dermatologists such as those from the British Association of Dermatologits, CFLs are known to worsen skin conditions in people with dermatoses.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs have also been blamed for the genesis of migraines and epileptic seizures. Approximately 100,000 people in the UK have a health condition that makes their skin sensitive to light from CFLs. A complete ban on incandescent lighting for people in these situations would violate the Disability Discrimination Act.

"It is important that patients with photosensitivity causing skin rashes be allowed to use lamps that would not aggravate their condition," said Dr. Colin Holden, president of the British Association of Dermatologists. "It is essential that these patients be able to protect themselves from certain wavelengths of light emitted by CFLs, especially since they are often confined indoors since they cannot be exposed to natural light.