Today, an EU exemption for the sale of mercury-containing fluorescent tubes comes to an end. According to the EU Commission, lamps of types T5 and T8 can only be sold in the future if they come from existing stock. The only exception is lamps for special applications, such as in the military sector.
“There are now adequate alternatives for T5 and T8 tubes that allow for energy savings and also promote the avoidance of introducing mercury-containing fluorescent lamps into the market,” a spokeswoman for the EU Commission told the German Press Agency. Therefore, it was decided not to continue the exemption for these items. However, their use is still permitted.
Consumers should consider alternatives
According to the German Lighting Association, fluorescent tubes are still used in many businesses and public institutions, and to some extent also in streetlights, garages, and basements. Consumers should explore alternatives since they might not find replacement lamps in the near future.
“Anyone who has not yet dealt with lamp renovation should tackle it soon,” Jürgen Waldorf, the managing director of the association, told the dpa. He emphasized that by switching to lamps with efficient LED technology, operating costs could be saved, and renovation costs could be amortized. In addition, a tailored renovation could reduce overall energy consumption and, with careful planning, enhance visual comfort.
Preparation for an early discontinuation
According to the Lighting Association, lamp manufacturers are well prepared for the impending ban. They have already adjusted to the production halt in Germany. In parallel, new LED lamps and so-called retrofit lamps were developed. Retrofit lamps are those that can be used in existing fixtures without requiring extensive structural changes to the fixture. When used with electromagnetic ballasts, usually only the starting element needs to be replaced with a spare part provided by the manufacturer.
A primary reason for the planned phasing out of fluorescent lamps in the EU is not just their high energy consumption, but particularly the risks posed by the mercury they contain. “Mercury is a chemical element with neurotoxic properties and poses a significant risk to the environment and health,” explained the Commission spokeswoman.