NLB Collects Incandescent Bulbs to Fight Rare Disease

The National Lighting Bureau (NLB), Brentwood, Tenn., recently announced it has collected 1,200 incandescent lightbulbs for the American Porphyria Foundation (APF). With an initial goal of 500 bulbs, the NLB was able to nearly triple its target, with donations from several companies, including LEDVANCE, Imperial Lighting Maintenance, Signify, SATCO, and Lambda 530 Consulting.

The APF is an organization committed to improving the health and quality of life for those suffering from Porphyria disorders, including Congenital Erythropoietic Porphyria (CEP). Affecting approximately 200 people in the United States, this rare disorder causes extreme sensitivity to light. Individuals with CEP risk acute scars and blisters if exposed to sunlight or artificial light.

While there is no treatment for the disease, symptoms can be managed by replacing fluorescents and LEDs with incandescent bulbs, which emit less long-wave light that can damage patients’ skin. Unfortunately, these types of bulbs are becoming obsolete.

“CEP requires constant protection from harmful lighting to avoid deterioration of the body. The move toward energy-efficient lighting has made it even more difficult for our patients to source safe indoor lighting,” said Kristen Wheeden of the APF.

Wheeden reached out to Randy Reid, executive director of the NLB, to request donations of incandescent bulbs.

“The NLB has a rich tradition of working with many organizations,” said Reid. “We were honored that the APF called us for assistance and that our industry quickly stepped up to assist.”

Reid reached out to NLB’s board of directors, and in less than a week, the NLB had collected 1,200 incandescent bulbs to donate to APF.

“This is a beautiful example of two communities coming together—one with resources than can help save another,” added Wheeden.