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Published on January 7th, 2008

Report: Low-Energy Bulbs Harmful to Some

UPI reports British research has shown that compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs), while more energy-efficient than incandescents, may cause skin cancer and migraines.

CFLs only use 20 percent of the energy of incandescent bulbs, and governments including the U.S. and Britain have implemented plans to phase out incandescents by 2014.

One of the most affected populations of CFLs is those with lupus, who tend to experience additional pain and tiredness when exposed to the bulbs.

The research does not mention whether traces of mercury in CFLs is linked to these conditions, but the presence of mercury is a reason why CFLs should be recycled. To find out where to recycle CFLs in your area, use the recycling locator search at the top of this page.

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