Collision repair shops could be impacted by fluorescent light bans starting in six states next year. 

California, Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota, Oregon, and Rhode Island will start bans on the sale and distribution of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) starting Jan. 1. CFLs include screw-base and pin-base fluorescent lamps, which could impact shops that use this lighting in their paint spray booths. 

The states are banning fluorescent lights because of their use of mercury, which legislators have said is a risk to health and the environment. 

The World Health Organization says even small amounts of mercury may cause serious health problems and is a threat to the development of a child in utero and early in life. It also may have toxic effects on the nervous, digestive, and immune systems, lungs, kidneys, skin, and eyes. 

Mercury is considered by the organization as one of the top 10 chemicals of major public health concern. 

• • California legislation, AB2208, bans the distribution of screw fluorescent bulbs in the state at the start of this year. A second portion of the bill bans the sale of pin and linear base type compact fluorescent lamps Jan. 1. 
  • Colorado legislation, HB23-1161, bans both screw and pin-base bulbs starting Jan. 1. 
  • Hawaii legislation, HB192, bans screw-base bulbs starting Jan. 1. Pin-base bans begin Jan. 1, 2026. 
  • Minnesota legislation, HB3326, bans screw-base bulbs starting Jan. 1. Pin-base bans begin Jan. 1, 2026. 
  • Oregon legislation, HB2531, already bans screw-based bulbs. Pin-base bans begin Jan. 1. 
  • Rhode Island legislation, HB5550A, already bans screw-based bulbs. Pin-base bans begin Jan. 1. 

Other states including Illinois, Maine, and Washington have dates for bans on fluorescent bulbs that start in the years after 2025. Vermont is the only state with active bans on both screw and pin-based bulbs. 

The United Kingdom banned fluorescent lighting in 2023. 

An article from UltriMax Coatings says that fluorescent light bulbs were commonly used as the standard in spray booths in the UK up until the ban. The article provides insight into the benefits of LED lights and how to choose the right light for your spray booth.

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Feature photo courtesy of baytunc/iStock