Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)-The Negative Side

As everyone probably knows by now, Congress passed a new energy bill recently, and effectively banned incandescent light bulbs. Okay, not exactly banned them, but they're phasing them out. The new rules apply starting in 2012, and by the year 2014, it will be illegal to manufacture or sell traditional incandescent bulbs, due to tightened standards. The law requires a certain level of efficiency, that currently only compact fluorescent lamps can fulfill. Lasting 6 times longer than traditional bulbs, compact fluorescent lamps are also much more energy efficient.

But sometimes the cure is worse than the disease, and compact fluorescent lamps are not without problems. They are extremely sensitive to temperatures, and don't work well in cold areas, such as garages or basements in cooler climates. They are 25% longer in size than the typical incandescent bulb, and this makes them unsuitable for various lighting fixtures, including chandeliers and other ceiling mounted lights. These will have to be replaced or reconfigured to accommodate the new bulbs, and that could prove to be quite expensive. You can't use most of the compact fluorescent bulbs with existing dimmer switches or timers. Newer versions that can be dimmed, will require new CFL adaptable dimmers and timers. (That's right-another expense.) The quality of the light is different, as is the ambiance. Compact fluorescent lamps make horrible reading lights, and many people (myself included), find them unpleasant and lacking warmth. (Think of a sterile hospital lobby.) Some people find that the CFLs give them migraines, and others experience headaches and eyestrain. They are reported to trigger epileptic seizures in susceptible people, as well as to cause problems for people with lupus.

Often they may take several minutes to reach their full illumination. Once you have turned them on, it is best to leave them on for at least 15 minutes, according to the Department of Energy guidelines, because turning them on and off frequently, shortens the life of the bulb. That will also be a challenge, because most of us have made it a priority, to go through the house turning off unnecessary lights. (Hmm...an energy saving bulb that you shouldn't turn off seems strange.) Many people have complained that they do not last as long as advertised, and that they dim after a few months, making it almost impossible to use them as reading lights. Still others report that when they burn out, there is a loud bang and a puff of smoke that sometimes throws the fuse. (Are we having fun yet?)

Perhaps the greatest concern is that when compact fluorescent lamps burn out, they cannot be thrown away like the old incandescent type. They must be recycled at specially designed facilities. Why? Because joy of joys...they contain mercury. That's right, I said mercury. If one should break in your house, it is suggested by the EPA that you open your windows and leave the room for 15 minutes or so, before cleaning up the pieces. It is recommended that you sweep up the glass, and then wipe the floor with a damp cloth. Vacuums should not be used, as they will distribute the mercury throughout your home. Can you imagine the risk of a broken bulb in a child's room? What if a lamp should turn over, when a child is playing?

While mercury in your home is certainly a huge concern, there are also worries that too many will end up in landfills, causing large amounts of mercury to be emitted into the air and water, in a form called vaporous methyl-mercury. If this occurs, it can easily get into the food chain. The average person will not take the time to dispose of them properly, causing even more environmental problems. (Not to mention the neurological effects we may start experiencing.)

Of even more concern, is getting the phosphorous coating on the inside of the glass into your body through an open wound or cut. It is poisonous and can cause infection and inflammation.

And lastly, there's the issue of the government telling us what light bulbs we must use. The American way is to have a choice, but it appears that we're not allowed this freedom anymore. Since when did light bulb manufacturers, environmentalists, and government bureaucrats have the right to tell us what we can or cannot buy? Where is the outrage about the way this was done? We were simply told we had no choice in the matter. Perhaps if people would voice their concerns and anger, there would be some good alternative plans. It is reported that several light bulb manufacturers are scrambling to devise an incandescent type bulb, that meets the standards adopted in the energy bill. They know that many in the public prefer the warmer light of an incandescent bulb. There will be several years to work on improvements, and hopefully, they will come up with something that we can all live with, because sooner or later, you're going to walk into a Walmart and look for a 100 watt incandescent bulb, and you won't find one! Oh...and if you're finished reading...could you turn out the light? Or maybe not...

Sources: http://www.michnews.com/artman/publish/article_18881.shtml
http://www.nhne.org/news/NewsArticlesArchive/tabid/400/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/2930/New-CFL-Light-Bulbs-Are-Toxic.aspx
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1947072/posts?page=132
http://weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/014/519kutui.asp?pg=1
http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_010308/content/01125117.guest.html
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=55213