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In order to reduce electric costs Panama has been planning on handing out free energy saving light bulbs. Now there are questions about the safety of the bulbs in question. A fire department pointed out that there have been five recent house fires caused by the type of bulb in question. Other alleged health risks are toxicity from mercury in the bulbs if they break and worsening of skin conditions when the bulbs are in use.

According to the November 6, 2008 edition of the Panama Star, The Energy Secretariat of the Presidency has been planning to hand out free energy efficient light bulbs. The high cost of electricity has been a burden on many households so this was to be a welcome government action. The Panama government has already changed from incandescent to florescent bulbs in government buildings to save on electricity.

The Panama People’s Defender office is opposing the distribution of the energy efficient bulbs in question because the new low energy electric bulbs are said to be toxic and to cause fires. Examples given by the People’s Defender Office include the assertion than if an new light bulb falls on the floor and breaks that the room needs to be evacuated for 15 minutes. The Star quotes a fire department as saying that at least five recent fires have been caused by these bulbs. The Star also notes that, “Experts in England said that toxic mercury inside the light bulbs can aggravate a range of problems from dizziness to migraines.” The Star also states that a dermatologist says that people with eczema will find their condition worse near these bulbs.

According to La Prensa, Panama the distribution of the electricity saving bulbs starts November 6, 2008 with ten light bulbs being given to every household. The program has been in the works since January of 2007 and is meant to result in a substantial reduction of electricity costs in Panama.

The British Broadcasting System web site notes that the new light bulbs contain a small amount of mercury but that several would need to be broken at once in a closed space to create an immediate health risk. The concern expressed by toxicology experts in Great Britain is that the light bulbs be disposed of properly and not be added to land fills because of the mercury.

The November 6, 2008 London Daily Mail website notes that the new light bulbs can “leave you red faced.” This is because of the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the bulbs. The British Health Protection Agency (HPA) warns that people should not sit closer than a foot from the bulbs for more than an hour a day. The HPA says there is no cancer risk from these bulbs.

One of the concerns in England is differences in quality as some bulbs emit more UV radiation than others. The kind of bulb that has a glass case over the inner tube do not pose a UV risk. Other risks mentioned on English web sites include a risk of migraine from bulb flickering and a risk of worsening of pre existent skin diseases such as lupus and eczema.

It would appear that Panama is going ahead with the light bulb distribution program. A quick look at other sources of information would seem to imply that the bulbs do not pose an immediate risk of toxicity if broken and that, perhaps, those with long standing skin conditions should consult their physician for advice.

In the meantime enjoy your lower electric bill.