Many artists use neon lights to make illuminated art. Neon lights are made from glass tubes filled with colorful, glowing gases. But because of new regulations, it could soon be lights out for neon art in parts of Europe.
Starting this year, the European Union (EU)—a group of 27 countries in Europe—plans to phase out the sale of lights that don’t meet new environmental and safety standards. The plan bans fluorescent lights, which are used in schools and offices and contain small amounts of the toxic metal mercury. Energy-efficient, mercury-free LED bulbs would replace them. Neon lights also contain mercury. Some wonder if neon will fall under the ban.
Invented more than 110 years ago, neon lights were originally used for storefront signs. Over the years, artists adopted the material. For example, Dan Flavin is famous for his large-scale neon installations. Mary Weatherford includes neon light in her abstract paintings.
Some argue that the EU’s new rules shouldn’t apply to neon bulbs used by artists because they’re for long-term installations. Fluorescent bulbs, on the other hand, are replaced frequently, creating a lot of mercury waste. Those opposed to banning neon also note that fluorescent bulbs are mass produced, whereas neon lights are handmade, often according to custom designs.
EU regulations don’t specify whether the ban on bulbs containing mercury applies to neon. But neon artists worry that the new protocols may unintentionally prohibit the designing, buying, and selling of neon tubes. What do you think? Should the EU’s new regulations extend to neon lights?