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Forum Name: Green Living
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Florescent Bulbs 
Jersey Jane
posted Jun 5, 2007 6:34:20 AMTo All

Like a lot of people I've been switching to the compact florescent bulbs as my old one burn out. Someone mentioned recently that the drawback is that the bulbs are manufactured in China which has little if any interest in controlling pollution. So my question is: What is the balance between the pollution generated making the bulb and the pollution saved by using it?


Jane


 

Edited by: Jersey Jane on Jun 5, 2007 6:35:50 AM
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Florescent Bulbs 
kiilani
posted Jun 6, 2007 12:58:43 PMTo All
Hi...there are health hazards associated with fluorescent bulbs...go to www.newswithviews.com/Peterson/rosalind1.htm...or just look it up on the internet...lots of info...cheers!
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Florescent Bulbs 
GranolaJoe
posted Jun 6, 2007 1:24:01 PMTo All


On Jun 6, 2007 12:58:43 PM kiilani wrote:

Hi...there are health hazards associated with fluorescent bulbs...go to www.newswithviews.com/Peterson/rosalind1.htm...or just look it up on the internet...lots of info...cheers!

I'd be cautious with the above link.

The whole piece seems to have a very obvious anti-CFL slant, and the author also suggests for people to vote against a proposed measure to ban incandescent lights in California, encouraging bulb manufacturers to make more efficient lighting products.

I always turn to Snopes, a website with a group of journalists that investigate urban legends. Here's what they had to say on this topic:

Claim: When broken, energy-saving light bulbs (CFLs) loose dangerous amounts of mercury into a home.

Status: Multiple:
  • CFLs contain mercury, a dangerous substance: True.

  • While mercury stays safely contained in intact CFLs, it escapes from broken CFLs into the immediate surroundings: True.

  • The amount of mercury contained in one CFL bulb poses a grave danger to a home's inhabitants: False.

  • An environmental clean-up crew needs be called in to deal with the mercury dispersed by one broken CFL bulb: False.
Here's a bit more information about the benefits of CFL bulbs and the hazards associated with them:

Shedding Light on Energy-Saving Bulb Options

Why switch to compact fluorescents? Watch this.

NPR: CFL Bulbs Have One Hitch: Toxic Mercury


Ask TreeHugger: Is Mercury from a Broken CFL Dangerous?

Mercury Fears in CFL Bulbs Overblown?


Lamp Recycling Info

EPA Fact Sheet on Mercury in CFLs

I was using CFLs before the whole "Go CFL" craze began, and before I even knew anything about them. I've been using them for about 5 years now. Though I have knocked them around when moving stuff, or when moving to a different apartment, I've never had one break.

My current set has been in use since summer of 2005, when I moved to Denver. I've had others before, but left them behind when I moved across the country. Otherwise, they'd still be lighting up my apartment today

Edited by: GranolaJoe on Jun 6, 2007 1:24:51 PM

"We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect." -Aldo Leopold
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Florescent Bulbs 
vlilac
posted Jun 28, 2007 8:57:42 AMTo All
I am wanting to switch to the CFL bulbs and I know they can not be put in the trash like other light bulbs. How are the CFL bulbs to be disposed of when they burn out? I live in a rural area where not all things are easily recycled. Thanks for any information.
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Florescent Bulbs 
GranolaJoe
posted Jun 28, 2007 8:59:07 AMTo All


On Jun 28, 2007 8:57:42 AM vlilac wrote:

I am wanting to switch to the CFL bulbs and I know they can not be put in the trash like other light bulbs. How are the CFL bulbs to be disposed of when they burn out? I live in a rural area where not all things are easily recycled. Thanks for any information.
You can go here for recycling info:

Lamp Recycling Info
"We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect." -Aldo Leopold
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Florescent Bulbs 
momskii
posted Jul 30, 2007 12:50:07 PMTo All

I have been using these since before they were cool also.  I like them not for the fact they save me money (cause if they save me money, its only pennies compared to my electric bill) but for the fact they last almost forever.  And, when you have to get on a ladder to change a bulb, when you are afraid of heights, it means a great deal not to have to change one for 5 or more years.


I used them in my basement (where the light stayed on almost 24/7) cause we are fraidy cats and wouldn't go down there without the light on!  When we moved, I took that bulb with me and put it in my next basement.  It lasted 8 years!  of almost continuous use.  I got it from my electric company for $4.99.


 


 


 
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Florescent Bulbs 
GranolaJoe
posted Jul 30, 2007 1:12:59 PMTo All


I used them in my basement (where the light stayed on almost 24/7) cause we are fraidy cats and wouldn't go down there without the light on! When we moved, I took that bulb with me and put it in my next basement. It lasted 8 years! of almost continuous use. I got it from my electric company for $4.99.




That's amazing! 8 years! Wow.

I sure hope mine lasts that long
"We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect." -Aldo Leopold
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Florescent Bulbs 
Joy Jackson, Life & Wellness Coach
posted Jan 8, 2008 2:26:49 PMTo All
We recently installed them through out our entire home. The newer bulbs you find now offer softer lighting and they do last for 8-10 years for a fraction of the wattage. The benefits of florescents are definitely worth the switch I'd say. We haven't experienced any funny odors, eye strain, or had any problems with them at all. Currently our local electric company is working with retailers to offer coupons and electric bill credits to consumers going florescent or solar.
Joy Jackson, Fitness and Lifestyle Coach
piceanjoy@gmail.com
www.joyjackson.net
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