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 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
- NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association): “Frequently Asked Questions About Compact Fluorescent Lamps” at this URL: http://www.nema.org/prod/lighting/faqs/cfls.cfm
- The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Cleaning Up a Broken CFL at this URL: http://www.epa.gov/cfl/cflcleanup.html. Please see also several useful links about CFLs and mercury on this website.
- EnergyStar.gov also has a fact sheet with frequently asked questions about CFLs. This site says EPA recommends use of CFLs and gives information 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
Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto,
505 East Charleston Road, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Transforming Ourselves, Each Other and the World
650-494-0541 (Office), 650-494-8190 (FAX), email: uucpa@uucpa.org
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Comments: UUCPA Web Manager
UUCPA supports the spiritual journeys of both religious and secular seekers, especially open-minded Christians, Humanists, Atheists, Agnostics, Pagans, Jews, Mystics, Buddhists, Hindus, Earth-centered spiritualists, peace lovers, New Age practitioners and others seeking to deepen their own philosophical and religious views and spirituality.
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Last modified Sunday, 19-Jun-2011 17:15:55 PDT
