PA Farm News
April 22, 2008
Hidden Danger in CFL Light Bulbs
(MS) -- Did you know the U.S. Congress passed an energy bill in 2007 banning the incandescent light bulb by the year 2014? That’s because the incandescent bulb, the one Thomas Edison helped perfect in the 1800s, has been superseded by the compact fluorescent light (CFL) and LEDs because of their benefits to the environment. But could the CFL really be too good to be true? Less than a month after the U.S. energy bill was passed, research in Britain has led to the UK Environment Agency issuing guidelines about CFLs.
They’re calling for evacuation of any room where an energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulb is broken, due to the release of toxic mercury. According to environmental impact studies, CFLs stand to save at least five million tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year. They also are more cost-effective in the long run: CFLs are more expensive than incandescent bulbs up front, but through longer burn times and less energy usage, they save home and business owners money. But each CFL contains 6 to 8 milligrams of toxic mercury. Broken bulbs, where mercury could be released into a home, and even improper disposal of the bulbs present separate environmental problems.
If a CFL bulb is broken, these suggestions are offered:Vacate the room for at least
15 minutes.
The debris should be
removed with rubber
gloves. Do not use a vacuum,
which could push
toxic dust into the air.
Put all broken glass
and debris into a sealed
bag and bring to a recycling
center for proper
disposal.
Other Impacts of CFL’s In a side note, mercury poisoning is not the only health implication from CFLs. Early studies indicate that people suffering from certain skin ailments, such as eczema and psoriasis, could experience flare ups. There has been a link to CFLs and migraine headaches. If you suspect your bulbs are causing health problems, see your doctor.
(MS) -- Did you know the U.S. Congress passed an energy bill in 2007 banning the incandescent light bulb by the year 2014? That’s because the incandescent bulb, the one Thomas Edison helped perfect in the 1800s, has been superseded by the compact fluorescent light (CFL) and LEDs because of their benefits to the environment. But could the CFL really be too good to be true? Less than a month after the U.S. energy bill was passed, research in Britain has led to the UK Environment Agency issuing guidelines about CFLs.
They’re calling for evacuation of any room where an energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulb is broken, due to the release of toxic mercury. According to environmental impact studies, CFLs stand to save at least five million tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year. They also are more cost-effective in the long run: CFLs are more expensive than incandescent bulbs up front, but through longer burn times and less energy usage, they save home and business owners money. But each CFL contains 6 to 8 milligrams of toxic mercury. Broken bulbs, where mercury could be released into a home, and even improper disposal of the bulbs present separate environmental problems.
If a CFL bulb is broken, these suggestions are offered:
Other Impacts of CFL’s In a side note, mercury poisoning is not the only health implication from CFLs. Early studies indicate that people suffering from certain skin ailments, such as eczema and psoriasis, could experience flare ups. There has been a link to CFLs and migraine headaches. If you suspect your bulbs are causing health problems, see your doctor.
POSTED 080422_0700 ET
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