Lightbulb-headache link rejected

A Christchurch manufacturer of energy-efficient light bulbs has dismissed British fears that the bulbs trigger crippling headaches.

The Migraine Action Association in Britain has raised concern the bulbs may trigger migraines because they are miniature versions of fluorescent strip lights, which are known to activate the condition.

The energy-saving bulbs are increasingly popular as they consume about a quarter of the power used by conventional light bulbs.

Christchurch company Energy Mad has sold four million energy-efficient light bulbs in New Zealand over the past three years.

Managing director Chris Mardon said the bulbs did not trigger migraines because modern fluorescent tubes did not flicker as much as cheaper, older tubes.

"Modern fluorescent lights flicker on and off thousands of times a second and so the human eye cannot perceive it," he said.

"Some of the cheap and nasty stuff may still cause problems, but all the brands converted years ago. A modern bulb is basically no different from a normal light bulb."

New Zealand Migraine Sufferers' Support Group director Annette Hallam said she would investigate the claims. "I would like to look into it. If it can help one or two people, then that is fantastic, but I would like to know more about it," she said.

Paul Jansen, of the Migrane Action Association, told The Daily Mail in England that the energy-saving bulbs could cause problems.

"For some people, a migraine attack can be triggered by fluorescent lights, video screens, stroboscopic effects and flashing lights. Most of the currently available low-energy light bulbs are based on fluorescent light technology," he said.

Hallam said fluorescent lighting was a common migraine trigger.

- © Fairfax NZ News