The CFLs are touted as a way to save energy and money, as they supposedly last longer than incandescent bulbs. However, the CFLs contain mercury - a toxic substance linked to brain damage. I got a kick out of a local tv station's story on CFLs, and the efforts to recycle them. The station detailed the ten-step process to clean up the toxic waste if one of the bulbs breaks in your house.
I guess consumers have to evaluate the purported cost/energy savings of the bulbs versus the cost/energy use to recycle them -- and their mercury.
According to the California EPA:
Universal wastes are hazardous wastes that are generated by a wide variety of people that contain mercury, lead, cadmium, copper and other substances hazardous to human and environmental health. Examples of these wastes are batteries, fluorescent tubes, and some electronic devices. The best way to reduce the harmful effects of the wastes on human health and the environment is to reduce consumption. The next best thing is to make sure you DON’T throw them in the trash!
(http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/UniversalWaste/index.cfm)
I once bought a CFL several years ago, before it was in vogue. The bulb went out after about a week. I also have trouble believing the companies that sell us electricity want us to use less electricity. I hope the incandescent bulbs don't go the way of the 8-track tape and analog television.
1 comment:
Interesting, and news to me. I was not aware of this. It does seem to be of minimal concern/risk as a one-off based concern, so I don't see myself yanking those we have already installed. I will be more aware of the need to recycle or appropriately address cleanup, of course. Yet the big issue seems to be that most consumers won't think or blink twice when it comes to tossing them into a garbage can, which does sound like it a much greater problem waiting to surface.
Thanks for posting it.
Post a Comment