ALA Members Donate to Support American Porphyria Foundation

The National Lighting Bureau (NLB) 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 this, with donations from ALA members Signify and SATCO, as well as LEDVANCE, Imperial Lighting Maintenance, and Lambda 530 Consulting.

The APF is 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 develop acutely painful scars and blisters if exposed to sunlight or artificial light. This horrific disease produces such extreme symptoms that it can even lead to loss of limbs or facial features.

While there is no treatment for this disease, symptoms can be managed when patients are exposed to electric lighting by replacing fluorescents and LED bulbs with incandescent bulbs.  Incandescent bulbs emit less short wavelength blue light than other types of bulbs and they can also be easily dimmed so that only longer wavelength green, yellow and red light is emitted -- virtually eliminating the wavelengths  that damage patients’ skin.  Unfortunately, incandescent 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.

This is why Wheeden reached out to Randy Reid, Executive Director of the NLB, to request incandescent bulb donations. “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 the NLB’s members, and word quickly spread. In less than a week, the NLB had collected 1,200 incandescent lightbulbs for the cause.

Both the NLB and the APF have been amazed by the momentous support from the industry. Wheeden expressed gratitude on behalf of the APF, “This is a beautiful example of two communities coming together—one with resources that can help save another.”

About the NLB
The National Lighting Bureau (NLB) exists to create demand for High-Benefit Lighting®— efficient lighting designed to optimize human performance, health, safety, and commerce — by educating those who make and influence decisions about lighting.
 
About the APF
The APF’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of all individuals and families impacted by Porphyria. They have maintained a relentless focus on education, advocacy, support services and research for the prevention, treatment and cure of the Porphyrias.