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Riley Jake Jackson death: Are halogen light bulbs safe? Riley Jake Jackson death: Are halogen light bulbs safe?
(about 2 hours later)
The death of a six-year-old boy in a house fire in Derbyshire has raised questions about the continued use of halogen bulbs in homes.The death of a six-year-old boy in a house fire in Derbyshire has raised questions about the continued use of halogen bulbs in homes.
Riley Jake Jackson died in hospital from "fire related burns and carbon monoxide toxicity" after being rescued from a house in Ilkeston in October.Riley Jake Jackson died in hospital from "fire related burns and carbon monoxide toxicity" after being rescued from a house in Ilkeston in October.
An inquest at Derby Coroner's Court heard the fire started when the heat from a halogen bulb set a lamp shade alight.An inquest at Derby Coroner's Court heard the fire started when the heat from a halogen bulb set a lamp shade alight.
So how safe are halogen bulbs and why have they been banned?So how safe are halogen bulbs and why have they been banned?
How dangerous are halogen bulbs?How dangerous are halogen bulbs?
Coroner Robert Hunter recorded a conclusion of accidental death but expressed concerns halogen bulbs were still widely available to buy.Coroner Robert Hunter recorded a conclusion of accidental death but expressed concerns halogen bulbs were still widely available to buy.
Halogen bulbs are seen as a bigger safety risk than modern LED bulbs as they reach higher heats, creating a fire risk if they come into contact with flammable materials. Halogen bulbs are seen as a bigger safety risk than modern LED bulbs as they reach higher temperatures, creating a fire risk if they come into contact with flammable materials.
In Riley's case, the inquest was told his bedside lamp had fallen over and the heat from the bulb had caused the lamp shade to set alight.In Riley's case, the inquest was told his bedside lamp had fallen over and the heat from the bulb had caused the lamp shade to set alight.
Why were they banned?Why were they banned?
Halogen bulbs were banned from sale across the European Union in September on environmental grounds, rather than safety grounds, as they are seen as less energy efficient than other types of bulbs like LEDs.Halogen bulbs were banned from sale across the European Union in September on environmental grounds, rather than safety grounds, as they are seen as less energy efficient than other types of bulbs like LEDs.
However, retailers are allowed to sell remaining stocks and there are no restrictions on them being used.However, retailers are allowed to sell remaining stocks and there are no restrictions on them being used.
How can parents keep their children safe?How can parents keep their children safe?
Child Safety Europe recommends parents opt for LED lamps, which do not produce heat, over those with halogen bulbs. Child Safety Europe recommends parents opt for LED lamps, which do not produce as much heat as halogen bulbs.
They said lamps should be placed a safe distance from pillows and duvets to avoid being knocked over and children should be discouraged from pulling them under the covers to create a "cosy tent feeling".They said lamps should be placed a safe distance from pillows and duvets to avoid being knocked over and children should be discouraged from pulling them under the covers to create a "cosy tent feeling".
Should we throw away our halogen bulbs?Should we throw away our halogen bulbs?
Adam Hind, station manager at Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, described Riley's death as a "tragic accident" but stopped short of telling people not to use halogen bulbs. Prevention area manager Rob Taylor, from Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, said the fire which caused Riley's death was "devastating".
He said: "Table lamps are safe. Bulbs are safe. Unfortunately I think it was just circumstances that led to this tragic accident. He said following the inquest "our aim now is to raise awareness regarding the temperatures that halogen bulbs burn and ensure people are aware of the potential fire hazard lamps with halogen bulbs pose if they fall over and come into contact with combustible materials".
"It has been stated by the coroner that halogen bulbs do burn a little hotter than the bulbs we used to use, whereas LED bulbs that are now available but more expensive are actually a lot cooler. Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service has now issued safety advice around the use of lamps:
"So it's basics about trying to make sure that table lamps do not get knocked over, they do not come into direct contact with things that will ignite and to make sure you put a reasonable shade on them as well."
How can I tell if my bulbs are halogen?How can I tell if my bulbs are halogen?
The best place to check is the box but failing that, halogen bulbs are distinguished by their bulb-within-a-bulb appearance.The best place to check is the box but failing that, halogen bulbs are distinguished by their bulb-within-a-bulb appearance.
What does the government say?What does the government say?
At the inquest, Dr Hunter told the court he would be writing to the government about the issue of halogen bulbs still being available to buy.At the inquest, Dr Hunter told the court he would be writing to the government about the issue of halogen bulbs still being available to buy.
A spokeswoman for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said: "The government's top priority is to protect consumers from harmful products. The EU ban on halogen bulbs was brought in for energy efficiency reasons rather than because of any safety issue.A spokeswoman for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said: "The government's top priority is to protect consumers from harmful products. The EU ban on halogen bulbs was brought in for energy efficiency reasons rather than because of any safety issue.
"Regardless, halogen light bulbs are covered by existing UK regulations that require them to be safe when sold.""Regardless, halogen light bulbs are covered by existing UK regulations that require them to be safe when sold."
Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk.Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk.