To Barry and anyone else informed on this topic,
In order to prevent panic among fluorescent light users (if it's not already
too late :-) could you please answer the following questions for me:
1. Does the legislation outlaw the further manufacture of the old fixtures,
the old bulbs, neither, or both? If it doesn't outlaw either one but only
"suggests" or gives "incentives" for the change there's nothing to worry
about, the way our system works both will be around for a very long time.
If it outlaws the fixtures but allows the bulbs to still be manufactured,
none of us alive will have much to concern ourselves with either, the bulbs
will still be around for decades as current office buildings, especially city,
state and federal ones, will take forever to replace the old fixtures. If the
legislation outlaws both, then you're right, those of us with the old fixtures
will be up a creek. Which leads to my second question:
2. What is the shelf life of an unused traditional 4' 40W fluorescent bulb?
Will it last as long as a "fresh one" on average once it's plugged in? If the
answers are it has a very long shelf life (many years or more) and once it's
plugged in there isn't any perceivable difference in performance, then those
who don't want to make the switch have an option.
Now all I need to hear is that they plan to outlaw filters for reverse osmosis
units! :-O
Regards,
Demetrios