The Problems with CFL Bulbs

CFL bulbs contain small amounts of mercury which is a highly toxic heavy metal. Exposure to mercury at certain levels, for certain periods of time, can result in neurological damage with severe, even deadly consequences. While manufacturers and the EPA claim that if a single CFL bulb breaks, the amount of mercury released is not likely to result in a dangerous exposure level, doesn’t it make you a bit nervous?

Have you ever asked yourself what happens to all the mercury when the bulbs are thrown away? Of course, on the packaging of these bulbs you will find information for proper disposal of them and proper clean up if a bulb breaks in your home. Generally, clean up is a careful, tedious process, and disposal requires you to take the bulb, in the proper packaging, in the trunk of your car or truck bed, to your local residential hazardous waste recycling facility. If you get it there, the mercury is dealt with and recycled, and does not end up in the waste stream to contaminate the environment and our water supply. However, what about the people (what do you suppose the percentage is?) who don’t know enough or care enough about mercury levels in the environment, who may be inclined to throw these bulbs in the regular trash? If the regular trash goes to a landfill, the mercury will then seep into the soil and ground water and eventually out to our rivers, lakes, and oceans, contaminating not only the water supply, but also the vegetation and seafood we consume. If the regular trash is incinerated the mercury evaporates into the air, and we breathe it in. If the mercury levels in the air are high enough for long enough, this will result in a dangerous exposure level to all in the area. Also, airborne mercury will eventually deposit into soil and water.

There are other problems with CFL bulbs. They are sensitive to frequent on/off usage. Their lifespan is shortened when turned on and off frequently, as in for spot lighting uses in closets or under cabinets. Many people who are “going green” or at least looking to save some green on their energy bills, like to use timers and dimmers with their lighting, to save even more energy. The problem is, not all CFL’s are compatible with these devices. Special CFL bulbs must be purchased for use with many timers and dimmers.

Reduce The Risk:

1. Start replacing CFL bulbs with LED bulbs in your accent lamps that can easily be hit and broken, especially if you have children or pets. Or, go back to conventional incandescent bulbs for these. Keep the CFL bulb use to ceiling mounted light fixtures, that cannot easily be broken during normal daily activity.

2. Find out where your local residential hazardous waste recycling facility is and keep this information handy. You are responsible for getting this toxic waste to the right facility.

3. Read the directions on the package on how to properly clean up a breakage. Post this information someplace where you can quickly find it BEFORE you experience a CFL bulb break.