The National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE) has recommended consumers switching from fluorescent lighting to LED ones?to replace not only the lamp itself but also the entire fixture.
This comes in response to a rise in cases of smoke and fire appearing out of old fluorescent lighting fixtures.
Japan is phasing out the production, export and import of fluorescent lamps by the end of 2027 amid health and environmental concerns because such lamps contain mercury, a toxic substance that causes neurological disorders such as Minamata disease.
In contrast, LED lamps are more energy-efficient and last longer than fluorescent lamps.
While the government aims to completely switch to LED lighting by fiscal 2030, the adoption rate as of the end of 2025 was only 66.4%, according to the Japan Lighting Manufacturers Association.
NITE received reports of 205 accidents involving fluorescent lamp fixtures in the 10 years until 2025. Of the total, 54 cases involved fires believed to have occurred due to aging fixtures or because only the fluorescent lamp had been replaced with an LED one.
The institute warned that lighting ballasts, which regulate the voltage and current in fluorescent lamps, can wear out over time and lead to insulation degradation. Consumers should consider replacing fixtures that have been used for more than 10 years, it said.
NITE recommends engaging an electrician to perform the conversion to LED lighting, as wiring work may be necessary in some cases.
Consumers should consult waste-disposal guidelines issued by local municipalities when disposing of fluorescent lamps, it said.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.