Europe says goodbye to their incandescent bulbs

The end of incandescent light bulbs of 100 watts is closer to the countries of the European Union (EU) following the entry into force of a prohibition to produce and import. However, it may continue until stocks run out.
In use since the nineteenth century, traditional light bulbs are being phased out to encourage more efficient use of energy from low-energy fluorescent bulbs, which use up to 80% less electricity.
The traditional spend most of their energy making heat instead of light. And the new generation called fluo-compact "or low power are more expensive, but have a longer life.
The ban is part of a series of EU measures to reduce energy consumption and combat global warming. The aim is to improve EU energy efficiency by 20% in 2020 compared to 1990 levels.
The European Commission estimates that each household will save EUR 166 on your annual electricity bill, between $ 5,000 and 10,000 million per year in total.

The EU wants the bulbs are replaced by compact fluorescent light bulbs, says the BBC's Ian McKenzie. Within a year the ban will take effect for 75-watt bulbs in 2011 for 60 and in 2012 for 40 and 25 watts.
Before the ban, the sale of bulbs had already decreased by 15% in the bloc, even in countries like Germany and Austria purchases increased by 15%. "People panic buys. The classical bulb embodies the tradition, are afraid to lose," said Alice Pirgov, the GfK institute consumption, reported the AFP news agency.

Opponents of the measure say they are too dark and can cause headaches and skin disorders in people sensitive to light exposure. Also associated with an increased risk of seizures by people with epilepsy.