Incandescence to Fluorescence in Light Bulbs

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While incandescent light bulbs are not as energy efficient when compared to newer alternative halogen light bulbs, compact florescent lamps (CFL), and light emitting diodes (LED), incandescent light bulbs should not be phased out due solely to their inefficiency. Phasing out incandescent light bulbs will not greatly reduce the level of mercury in the environment; additionally incandescent factories are now closed in the United States due to the phase out, many people in the lighting manufacturing industry have lost their jobs. An examination of the CFL, one of the more predominant alternatives to the incandescent, may reveal shortcomings in the CFLs projected life expectancy, overall quality, and potential health hazards. Instead of incandescent light bulbs being phased out for their inefficiency, compact florescent lamps should be banned for their dangerous qualities.
The Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 addresses the phase out dates of various types of incandescent light bulbs that do not meet the new efficiency standards. Representative Nick Rahall of West Virginia, along with 198 cosponsors, introduced House Resolution 6, which became the EISA of 2007. The Resolution’s intent was to reduce energy consumption and promote national security by reducing dependence on foreign sources of energy. In the 310 page Resolution Title III – Energy Savings Through Improved Standards For Appliance and Lighting, Subtitle B – Lighting Energy Efficiency, Sec. 321 Efficient light bulbs pertains to the efficiency standards that new lamps/bulbs will be required to meet.
The incandescent lamp has been around since its beginning stages in the 19th century. The chapter titled “Incandescent lamps” in the book Revolution in Lamps:...

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