It has illuminated lives for more than a century - but now the old fashioned 100 watt incandescent lightbulb is being phased out as part of a European Union drive to curb climate change and save on energy bills.
The new bulbs use up to 80% less electricity than standard bulbs, could cut a home's annual energy bill by up to £37 and save 135kg of CO2 each year, the Energy Saving Trust said.
But the move comes amid fears that Britain now faces a gloomier future as well as claims by campaigners that the new energy saving lightbulbs can trigger migraines, exacerbate skin conditions and lead to other health problems.
David Price, of Spectrum, an alliance of charities working with people with light-sensitive health conditions, said the Government was "disregarding" public concerns as it took the lead in European efforts to cut down on energy-inefficient products.
"Health is important and it should come over anything else, but they're not looking after ours," he said.
