Japan Recommends Replacing Entire Fluorescent Lamp Fixture

Tokyo, April 28 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s National Institute of Technology and Evaluation has recommended replacing not only the lamp itself but also the entire lamp fixture when switching from fluorescent to light-emitting diode lighting. This comes in response to a rise in cases of smoke and fire erupting out of old fluorescent lighting fixtures. Japan is phasing out production, export and import of fluorescent lamps by the end of 2027, in light of concerns over health risks and the impact on the environment because the lamps contain mercury, a toxic substance that causes neurological disorders such as Minamata disease. On the other hand, LED lamps are more energy-efficient and last longer than fluorescent lamps. While the government aims to make the complete conversion to LED lighting by fiscal 2030, only 66.4 pct of the existing lighting used LED bulbs as of the end of 2025, according to the Japan Lighting Manufacturers Association. NITE received reports of 205 accidents involving fluorescent lamp fixtures in the 10 years until 2025. Of the total, 54 cases involved fires believed to have happened due to aging fixtures or improper replacement after only the bulb was replaced with an LED lamp. The institute warned that lighting ballasts, which regulate the voltage and current in fluorescent lamps, can wear out over time, leading to insulation degradation. Consumers should consider replacing fixtures that have been used for more than 10 years, it said. NITE recommended asking an electrician to do the work to convert to LED lighting, as wiring work may be necessary in some cases. Consumers should consult waste disposal guidelines issued by local municipalities when disposing of fluorescent lamps, it said. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]