Feb 18 2008
In an effort to do good for the planet-and save a few bucks on energy bills-many consumers are making the switch from incandescent to compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) in their homes and businesses.
CFLs are high-efficiency bulbs that contain a small amount of mercury sealed in glass tubing.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) estimates that Energy Star-approved CFLs use up to 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. They do, however, contain some mercury and require special disposal that not everyone may be aware of.
“There is serious concern over improper disposal and the potential cumulative effects of mercury from these bulbs being placed in our landfills,” says Kim Dietrich, PhD, professor of environmental health at the University of Cincinnati (UC) and an internationally recognized expert on heavy-metal exposure. “Many cities-including Cincinnati-are now offering recycling programs for CFLs, and consumers need to take advantage of them.”
A small amount of metallic mercury, an element found naturally in the environment, is used to create energy to illuminate CFLs. No mercury is released during normal use of the high-efficiency bulbs, but it can become a vapor—absorbable through the lungs—if the bulb is broken. Once in the body, mercury can stay in the brain for a long period of time and has been linked to impaired cognitive function.
Dietrich says if consumers take some common-sense precautions, the cost- and energy-saving benefits outweigh the very minor health risks associated with consumer CFLs.
“CFLs contain extremely small amounts of mercury that will have no health effect on consumers if they are used and disposed of properly,” he explains. “In fact, one CFL contains 100 times less mercury than a single dental amalgam filling or old-style glass thermometer.”
National lighting companies such as Philips Lighting are pushing to rid U.S. retail stores of incandescent bulbs by 2016 in an effort to reduce global warming, according to recent news reports.
The EPA recommends the following steps to clean up a broken fluorescent bulb:
- Open a window and leave the room for at least 15 minutes. This will allow the mercury vapor to dissipate and reduce the risk of inhaling dangerous fumes.
- Using a stiff piece of paper and wearing disposable rubber gloves, scoop up the glass fragments and place them in a sealed plastic bag. Wipe the area clean with paper towels or disposable wet wipes and put them in the plastic bag. Do not use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces.
- Place all cleanup materials in a second sealed plastic bag and take it to a recycling center or place it in an outdoor trash can.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after disposing of the bag.
- If the bulb breaks on a rug or carpet, use the same method mentioned above to scoop up the glass fragments. Use sticky tape to pick up the smaller pieces and powder.
- If vacuuming is still required, wait several hours and then sweep the area. Immediately remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister), then place the bag and cleanup materials into two sealed plastic bags.