The Safety Factor of Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Those of us who are environmentally concerned and conscious try to do everything possible to take steps in helping our environment in any possible way we can. For instance, perhaps one decides to forgo the heavy usage of plastic bags at supermarkets or other stores and instead gets the reusable variety that can be used over and over again. One might also make a conscious effort to recycle as many items as possible, instead of just carelessly tossing it in the trash which would increase landfill space.

We also may decide to purchase products that are more energy efficient yet still produce the same results as items that are power hungry units, such as air conditioners, that will in the long run save us money as well in its usage. This is also true when one thinks about getting the Compact Fluorescent Lamps, rather than constantly getting the Incandescent type lights or bulbs.

I was surprised to learn that Compact Fluorescent Lamps or CFLs, have actually been around for sometime, as I was under the assumption that they were a relatively new product. As the name suggests, these Compact Fluorescent Lamps are a compact smaller version of regular fluorescent lights that are that familiar long tube-like shape and were first invented by a General Electric engineer, Ed Hammer back in 1973. Instead of the need of having a special type of lighting fixture, the way one does with the traditional fluorescent lights, one can use the CFLs anywhere one uses the common ordinary incandescent bulbs, which would of course include all types of lamp fixtures.

With more and more people becoming more energy efficient and aware, and of course wanting to save money, people have been turning to the usage of CFLs. While the price tag of such lamps is considerably higher than incandescent bulbs, the so-called benefits are that the life span of these lamps are far longer, meaning that instead of the usual 750 hours of common incandescent bulbs, CFLs will last a staggeringly long 6,000 hours or more.(1) Also, less heat is emitted from CFLs than regular bulbs, and the wattage usage is also considerably reduced, thus a 22 watt CFL will yield the same wattage output of a regular 100 watt bulb.(2) Makers of the CFLs, such as Energy Star boast that one will see a significant reduction in their electric bills by using such lamps.

With all this seemingly good news about Compact Fluorescent Lamps, despite their initial high cost to purchase, it makes one want to rush out and replace every single incandescent bulb in their home. But now evidence has been coming out about the safety factor of the CFLs themselves.

The first factor to consider is the mere fact that CFLs contain certain amounts of mercury, which of course is a highly toxic, poisonous substance that can cause brain damage in children and also effects the nervous system. While the amount of mercury is rather small, only about 5 milligrams, the danger lies if the lamp is accidently broken, for then high levels of mercury vapor are released into the air. In fact one government agency, the Department of the Environment, has recommended that if one of these lamps are broken, one should actually vacate the room for at least fifteen minutes.(3)

Not only is the vapor of mercury a hazard, but the mere clean-up of the lamp and the mercury can cause problems. In other words, it's one thing to accidentally break an incandescent bulb, since all one has to do is pick up the broken pieces of glass and toss them into the garbage. Not so with CLFs, in fact, one can't even toss these lamps in the garbage to begin with at all due to the mercury factor and the broken pieces have to be taken to a recycle center. Also, instead of placing the broken lamp into a plastic bag, which is the common way to dispose of regular tubular fluorescent lamps, it has been found that the mercury from CLFs can still leech out from the plastic bags, and therefore it is best to place the broken lap in a large glass jar.(4)

Also, another caution is that one shouldn't even think of trying to pick up the broken CLFs with bare hands, but instead wear protective gloves to eliminate the possibility of the mercury absorbing into one's skin, and thus into the bloodstream and be exposed to mercury poisoning. One also has to be sure to clean very thoroughly and carefully were the lamp was broken, since particles of the mercury could still exist for a long time. If you have ever owned a mercury thermometer, and broke it, you know just what I'm talking about...the mercury liquid can scatter.

Despite all these cautions, if you do still have the desire to use these lamps, at least be very aware of just where you are actually using them. For instance, with all the potential hazards they propose, one shouldn't use them in a baby's or children's room.

All in all, yes, Compact Fluorescent Lamps may be an answer to our energy needs, especially if we wish to lower our electric consumption and bills, but with all these potential hazards that are indicative of these lamps, is it really worth it?

General Articles about Compact Fluorescent Lamps

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compact_fluorescent_lamp(1)

http://www.eartheasy.com/live_energyeff_lighting.htm(2)

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cfls.pr_cfls

Articles About The Safety Factors Of Compact Fluorescent Lamps

http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=171944&ac=PHnws(4)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7172662.stm(3)

http://woodstockadvocate.blogspot.com/2008/02/energy-efficient-bulbs-dangers-disposal.html

http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewCulture.asp?Page=/Culture/archive/200705/CUL20070510b.html