![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/05/eurocondom_sq.jpg)
Euro Condom by Ingo Maurer
Milan 09: German lighting designer Ingo Maurer launched Euro Condom, a protest against new European guidelines banning frosted incandescent bulbs, at the Euroluce lighting fair in Milan last month.
![eurocondom_2.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/05/eurocondom_2.jpg)
The opaque condoms fit over clear incandescent bulbs - which are not affected by the guidelines - to give a similar effect to the banned bulbs.
![euro_condom_ingo.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/05/euro_condom_ingo.jpg)
Here's some text from Maurer:
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The Euro Condom consists of a thin, heat-resistant silicone cover that turns a clear bulb into a frosted one. Frosted bulbs will be banned by the new EU guideline on light sources beginning September 2009, because they are said give off less light than clear bulbs.
![eurocondom_3.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/05/eurocondom_3.jpg)
But according to the specifications of various manufacturers the difference, measured in lumens, is negligible or not existing. – Protect yourself from stupid rules, use the Euro Condom!