I used to think I was making a better world for my grandchildren by using compact fluorescent bulbs. Now I’m not so sure.
It’s not that I doubt the claim that they use a quarter as much energy as regular incandescent light bulbs and last many times longer. Nor is it that I don’t applaud their utility in fighting climate change: The Washington-based Worldwatch Institute says that if everyone in the U.S. alone were to replace traditional bulbs with the corkscrew fluorescent sort it would reduce greenhouse gas as much as taking 30 million cars off the road.
No, one of the things that’s giving me second thoughts is this summer’s advice from Health Canada. The bulbs contain a tiny amount of mercury, a cause of birth defects and harm to the nervous system, kidneys and the liver. If I were to paraphrase the ministry’s startling advice, you’d think I was making it up, so I’ll quote extensively.
In the event a bulb breaks:
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I find that they don’t last anywhere near as long as advertised. Home Depot here accepts them but you must wrap each individual bulb in cellophane before placing it in the receptacle. What is the eco-cost of the cellophane that is used? I think I am going to stock up on the original technology incandescents before they disappear. I think they are banned from manufacture and sale sometime around 2012. Guess where all the CFL bulbs are made? yup China the country with the most stringent environmental protections evah.
mid island mike
I see some of the vendors are now selling LED lightbulbs. I wonder how long before someone discovers something hazardous about them?
LED’s are cool (No pun intended)
We had to get rid of our flouresent bulbs many years ago, the flickering light caused our g/son to have seizures, just like fireworks, flashing video games and so many other things with flashing lights. So, no twisty bulbs in our or his home.
I refuse to use any of those dangerous pieces of crap in my house.