Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 107: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate a matter (details supplied). [8187/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I understand from my colleague, the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government that it is no longer intended to implement primary legislation in this jurisdiction to deal with incandescent light bulbs. The matter will be dealt with by the E.U. under the 2005 European Union Ecodesign of Energy-Using Products Directive. This Directive is under the remit of the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

The European Commission's Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) investigated the claim that symptoms of several diseases may be aggravated in the presence of energy saving lamps, mainly Compact Fluorescent Lamps or CFLs. The Committee did identify Ultra Violet or UV/blue light radiation as a potential risk factor for the aggravation of light-sensitive symptoms in some patients with certain chronic diseases. It further stated that it had been observed that some single-envelope CFLs emit UVB and traces of UVC radiation. Under extreme conditions — i.e prolonged exposures at distances of under 20 centimetres — these CFLs may lead to UV exposures approaching the workplace limit set to protect workers from skin and retinal damage. The SCENIHR notes that the use of double-envelope energy saving bulbs or similar technology would largely or entirely mitigate both the risk of approaching these workplace limits and the risk of aggravating the symptoms of light-sensitive individuals.

As part of the regulatory process mentioned above, the European Commission will take into account the health and safety of the user in setting the energy efficiency requirement for household lamps. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment will consult with my Department regarding any health issues arising.