MEP Robert Sturdy has asked the European Commission to explain how it can justify enforcing the use of energy saving light bulbs which contain mercury, while at the same time banning barometers for this very same reason, an inconsistency which was highlighted by bloggers in their comments about this.

Robert has fired off some questions to Commissioners Stavros Dimas (Environment) and Markos Kyprianou (Health and Consumer Protection) about the EU’s double standards about the use of mercury, requesting information about their mercury content and the risks which they could pose to human health and the environment. He states:

“In typical EU tradition, at the very same time that barometers are being banned because of the dangerous mercury which they contain, energy saving light bulbs are being championed as the answer to climate change despite them also containing mercury.   It is true that at first glance energy saving light bulbs seem more environmentally friendly than incandescent bulbs.  However, these light bulbs are being thrown away everyday and end up in landfill sites already bursting at the seams.   How is this less of an environmental risk than a barometer when every household in the EU will be throwing away these light bulbs every year?

“There could also be serious health implications regarding the energy saving light bulbs. Recent reports have stated that they pose a risk to people with epilepsy causing symptoms similar to the onset of a seizure.  

“I am in favour of doing all that we can to protect the environment and tackle the problem of climate change.  However, we must go about this in a rational and sensible manner.  People should be given the choice whether to use energy saving light bulbs or not and all of the necessary information should be available for consumers.  People need to know that the regulations imposed on them by the EU are justified, reasonable and consistent.”