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Edison helped perfect in the 1800s, has been superceded
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.