This month of August 2023 marks the entry into force of the ban on the marketing of certain everyday objects in our homes. Here are which ones.
The European Directive 2011/65/EU on the Reduction of Hazardous Substances aims to improve health and energy efficiency. It regulates the use of certain substances considered dangerous and which are still present in certain homes. Among these substances is mercury. The electrical appliances covered by the directive are the hundreds of millions of fluorescent lamps and tubes that we have in our homes. Their sale will be banned in a few weeks, although they are still present in some homes.
The culprits are T5 and T8 fluorescent tubes, the marketing of which will be banned from August 24, 2023. Previously, T5 circular fluorescent lamps and compact lamps with socket (CFLni) had already been banned.
Another lighting element soon to be banned: halogen pin lamps (G4, GY6.35, G9) from September 1, 2023. If you have one of these products at home, it’s time to think about alternatives .
Know that you have two options. The first is to stock up in stores because products already placed on the European market can continue to be sold until stocks run out.
The other solution is to replace your tubes with LED bulbs which will allow you to keep your old lamps, but with other bulbs or tubes which fulfill the same function and which comply with the regulations in force.
Among the alternatives is a 60cm LED lighting strip, which you can find at Ikea for 24.99 euros. It completely replaces your neon tubes and also allows you to get rid of the lamp that contains them. If you only want to change the neon tube, you can also find an LED tube to replace the traditional T8 fluorescents, 1,800 lumens, for 5.43 euros. Or if you need another shape, this circular 1,800 lumen LED tube, to replace fluorescent tubes usually 30 W or 40 W. It is available on Amazon for 13 euros.
