Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)

[johnfisher]

Compact Fluorescent Lamps or CLFs for short are a new type of light bulb that are now readily available from most home centers and hardware stores.

Switching from traditional incandescent light bulbs to CFLs is an easy way for Radnor residents to reduce substantial electrical energy use at home which in-turn will reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change.

Incandescent lighting accounts for close to 20 percent of the average home’s electric bill. The good news is that new CFLs (Energy Star Compliant ones) use up to 75 percent less energy than incandescent light bulbs. They also last up to 10 times longer, cost more than a traditional light bulb but they provide a quick return on investment in just a few months.

The energy savings are big. For example, if every home in America replaced just one incandescent light bulb with a CFL, we would save enough energy to light 3 million homes. The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions would be the equivalent of 800,000.

Too good to be true? Well, maybe. The downside to this new type of bulb is that CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury. The mercury is sealed within the glass tubing and becomes part of the ionizing gas in the tube. If the glass tube is intact it is safe. However, if the bulb accidentally breaks or is improperly disposed of it can be harmful because mercury is a poisonous heavy metal and exposure to mercury is harmful. The risk is low because a single lamp only has only about 5 milligrams of mercury. This is the amount that would cover the tip of a ballpoint pen. By comparison, It would take 100 CFLs to equal the amount in an old mercury thermometer which contained about 500 milligrams of mercury. The good news is that manufacturers are working to reduce the average amount of mercury in a CFL is anticipated to drop.

Some precautions can be taken when using CFLs in your home. Be careful when removing the bulb from its packaging, installing it and when replacing it. Always screw and unscrew the lamp by its base (not the glass), and never forcefully twist the CFL into a light socket. CFLs are made of glass and can break if dropped or roughly handled. If a CFL breaks in your home,

Disposal of old CFL lamps requires recycling. The EPA recommends that consumers take advantage of available local recycling options for compact fluorescent light bulbs. EPA is working with CFL manufacturers and major U.S. retailers to expand recycling and disposal options. Consumers can contact their local municipal solid waste agency directly, or go to www.epa.gov/bulbrecycling or www.earth911.org to identify local recycling options.

Marple Transfer Station holds annual collection of household hazardous waste for Delaware County.

Source:http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/promotions/change_light/downloads/Fact_Sheet_Mercury.pdf