The intentional use of mercury in the EU has steadily decreased over the past 15 years thanks to the adoption and implementation of a comprehensive set of EU rules limiting its use in products. In addition to these intended uses, there are unintentional emissions of mercury to air from several activities that use mercury-containing fuels or raw materials.
So, what exactly is the RoHS Directive?
RoHS stands for “Restriction of the use of Hazardous Substances”. In this instance, it refers to the use of mercury in lamps. Mercury is considered a hazardous substance which is why it’s use in electrical equipment is banned. Up until recently, they were exemptions for t5 and t8 fluorescent lamps, compact fluorescent lamps, and special purpose lamps. Since then, these exemptions (defined in Annex III) have been amended. Due to this, the production of many fluorescent lamps will be banned. The only exceptions are HPD and special purpose lamps, as they may be produced for another 3-5 years.
In addition, the ban refers to production of corresponding lamps. The use and the sale or purchase of stock products are still allowed. The RoHS directives only provide for a so-called “phasing out” of non-sustainable light sources.
It was already decided that the placing on the market of the T8 fluorescent lamp will be banned from September 2023. The amendments to the RoHS directives from last spring put the end of the fluorescent tube a few days earlier: from August 25, 2023, T8 lamps will be phased out together with T5 fluorescent lamps.
It will also hit compact fluorescent lamps with plug-in bases as early as February 25. An extension of the exemptions to 3-5 years is planned for HPD lamps and special purpose lamps (such as for UV-C disinfection with lamps).
Fluorescent Lamps or LED Light Bulbs – A comparison
T8 and T5 fluorescent tubes may be cheaper initially, but LED tubes are more cost-effective in the long term. The benefits of an LED light bulb vs. fluorescent bulbs include:
- More Energy Efficient: If you replaced all the bulbs in your office with LEDs, you could conservatively use 60% less power to light up your facility. That’s because the energy-saving technologies used to produce LEDs have far outpaced that of fluorescent linear tubes.
- Longer Life Expectancy: LED bulbs last two to four times longer than fluorescent lighting.
- More Cost-Effective: While you will spend more money upfront on LED bulbs, you’ll ultimately make it up in energy savings and lower long-term maintenance costs.
- Better for the Environment: Unlike linear fluorescent tubes, LED lights don’t contain any mercury. Fluorescent lights must be handled carefully because mercury is harmful to the skin and can contaminate the environment.
- Instant On: With LED bulbs, you don’t have to wait for the flickering to stop. Also, you can turn them on and off all you want – frequent clicks of the switch do not shorten an LED bulb lifespan.
Key Dates of the official end-of-market deadlines:
– February 24, 2023: end of long-life fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lamps with non-integrated gear (CFL-ni) with less than 20,000 hours.
– August 24, 2023: end of T5 and T8 fluorescent tubes, compact fluorescent lamps (with a lifespan of more than 20,000 hours).
– August 31, 2023: end of halogen capsules with G9 G4 GY 6.35 base.
The higher purchase costs of LED illuminants compared to conventional lamps may seem daunting at first. However, the combination of a significantly longer service life and improved efficiency means that LED lighting pays for itself after just a few years, depending on the application.
The team at Edge Lighting can showcase these energy savings in a project for you, contact us at sales@edgelighting.co.uk and we’ll do our best to help!
As an expert in environmental regulations and sustainability, I have a deep understanding of the RoHS Directive and its implications, particularly in the context of mercury use in electrical equipment. My expertise is grounded in a thorough knowledge of European Union regulations and the evolution of policies related to hazardous substances over the past decade.
The RoHS Directive, standing for "Restriction of the use of Hazardous Substances," is a pivotal piece of legislation in the EU that addresses the use of hazardous materials in various products. Specifically, the directive aims to restrict the use of mercury in lamps and electrical equipment due to its classification as a hazardous substance. The intentional use of mercury in the EU has seen a substantial reduction over the past 15 years, owing to the comprehensive set of rules implemented to limit its presence in products.
In the context of the provided article, it is crucial to note the amendments made to the RoHS Directive, particularly regarding exemptions related to certain types of lamps. Until recently, exemptions existed for t5 and t8 fluorescent lamps, compact fluorescent lamps, and special purpose lamps. However, recent changes, as outlined in Annex III, have led to the phasing out of the production of many fluorescent lamps. Notably, the only exceptions to this ban are HPD and special purpose lamps, which may continue production for an additional 3-5 years.
The article emphasizes the environmental impact of mercury-containing lamps, highlighting the hazards associated with their use. The RoHS directives play a significant role in the "phasing out" of non-sustainable light sources, contributing to a shift toward more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives.
Furthermore, the article draws attention to the comparison between fluorescent lamps (specifically T8 and T5) and LED light bulbs. The benefits of LED bulbs, including greater energy efficiency, longer life expectancy, and environmental friendliness due to the absence of mercury, are discussed in detail. Key dates for the official end-of-market deadlines are provided, marking the prohibition of certain types of lamps, such as T8 and T5 fluorescent tubes, compact fluorescent lamps, and halogen capsules.
In conclusion, the RoHS Directive plays a crucial role in shaping the landscape of lighting technology in the EU by promoting the use of environmentally friendly alternatives and phasing out the production of hazardous materials. The provided information in the article serves as a valuable guide for businesses and consumers navigating the changing regulations and making informed choices regarding lighting solutions.
