| CEC
Energy Newsletter
May
2007
Information on Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) and
Mercury Source: Energy Star Website
Frequently asked questions:
Why should people use
CFLs?
Switching from traditional light bulbs to CFLs is an
effective, accessible change every American can make right now to
reduce energy use at home and prevent greenhouse gas emissions that
contribute to global climate change. Lighting accounts for close to
20 percent of the average home's electric bill. Changing to CFLs
costs little upfront and provides a quick return on
investment.
If every home in America replaced just one
incandescent light bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL, it would
save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes and prevent
greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of more than 800,000
cars annually.
Do CFLs contain mercury?
CFLs contain a
very small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing - an
average of 5 milligrams, which is roughly equivalent to an amount
that would cover the tip of a ball-point pen. No mercury is released
when the bulbs are intact or in use. By comparison, older
thermometers contain about 500 milligrams of mercury. It would take
100 CFLs to equal that amount.
Mercury currently is an
essential component of CFLs and is what allows the bulb to be an
efficient light source. Many manufacturers have taken significant
steps to reduce mercury used in their fluorescent lighting products.
In fact, the average amount of mercury in a CFL is anticipated to
drop by the end of 2007, thanks to technology advances and a
commitment from the members of the National Electrical Manufacturers
Association.
What precautions should I take when using CFLs
in my home?
CFLs are made of glass and can break if dropped
or roughly handled. Be careful when removing the bulb from its
packaging, installing it, or replacing it. Always screw and unscrew
the lamp by its base (not the glass), and never forcefully twist the
CFL into a light socket. If a CFL breaks in your home, follow the
clean- up recommendations below. Used CFLs should be disposed of
properly (see below).
What should I do with a CFL when it
burns out?
EPA recommends that consumers take advantage of
local recycling options for compact fluorescent light bulbs, where
available. EPA is working with CFL manufacturers and major U.S.
retailers to expand disposal options. Consumers can contact their
local municipal solid waste agency directly, or go to
www.lamprecycle.org and click on "State Lamp Recycling Regulations
& Contacts" to identify local recycling options. If your state
permits you to put used or broken CFLs in the garbage, seal the CFL
in two plastic bags and put into the outside trash. CFLs should not
be disposed of in an incinerator.
ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs
have a warranty. If the bulb has failed within the warranty period,
return it to your retailer.
How should I clean up a broken
fluorescent bulb? EPA recommends the following clean-up and disposal
guidelines:
1. Open a window and leave the room (restrict
access) for at least 15 minutes.
2. Remove all materials you
can without using a vacuum cleaner. Wear disposable rubber gloves,
if available (do not use your bare hands).
Carefully scoop up
the fragments and powder with stiff paper or cardboard.
Wipe
the area clean with a damp paper towel or disposable wet
wipe.
Sticky tape (such as duct tape) can be used to pick up
small pieces and powder.
3. Place all cleanup materials in a
plastic bag and seal it.
If your state permits you to put
used or broken CFLs in the garbage, seal the CFL in two plastic bags
and put into the outside trash (if no other disposal or recycling
options are available).
Wash your hands after disposing of
the bag.
4. The first time you vacuum the area where the bulb
was broken, remove the vacuum bag once done cleaning the area (or
empty and wipe the canister) and put the bag and/or vacuum debris,
as well as the cleaning materials, in two sealed plastic bags in the
outdoor trash or protected outdoor location for normal
disposal.
What is mercury?
Mercury is an element (Hg
on the periodic table) found naturally in the environment. Mercury
emissions in the air can come from both natural and man-made
sources. Utility power plants (mainly coal-fired) are the largest
man-made source, because mercury that naturally exists in coal is
released into the air when coal is burned to make electricity.
Energy efficient CFLs present an opportunity to prevent mercury
emissions from entering the environment because they help to reduce
emissions from coal-fired power plants. Coal-fired power generation
accounts for roughly 40 percent of the mercury emissions in the
U.S.
EPA is implementing policies to reduce airborne mercury
emissions. Under regulations EPA issued in 2005, mercury emissions
from coal-fired power plants will drop by nearly 70 percent by
2018.
For more information on all sources of mercury, click the
link below:
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