Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto

Benefits and Dangers of Compact Fluorescent Lighting

Question:

I've recently been looking at switching from incandescent bulbs to fluorescent ones. I know that the fluorescent last longer and are more energy efficient, but I noticed on a package of bulbs I bought recently a warning that they contain mercury. Do all such bulbs contain mercury? I'm suddenly wondering whether their potential danger to the environment outweighs their benefits...

Answer:

These 3 internet sites discuss Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFL) and give information on use, handling, and disposal of CFLs. Please click on the URLs below to see the sites. As you know, there is more information at: www.google.com and please feel free to look further.

• "Energy Efficient Lighting" site from Eartheasy.com says "Although CFL's have these handling and disposal issues, the large energy savings of CFL bulbs compared to incandescents is of greater overall environmental benefit: http://www.eartheasy.com/live_energyeff_lighting.htm
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has prepared a factsheet regarding questions/concerns about mercury in CFLs: http://www.nema.org/lamprecycle/epafactsheet-cfl.pdf
• EnergyStar.gov also has a fact sheet with frequently asked questions about CFLs. This site says EPA recommends use of CFLs and gives infromation on proper handling and disposal: http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/promotions/change_light/downloads/Fact_Sheet_Mercury.pdf

Please check with your city for information on how/where to dispose of hazardous household materials.

Thank you,

— Flo