Compact Fluorescent and Regular Incandescent Bulbs

Compact fluorescent bulbs are the brightest idea in household lighting. However, if they break and are not disposed properly, they can pose a very small risk of mercury poisoning to young children, infants and pregnant women.

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Two studies, conducted by the state of Maine and the Mercury Policy Project in Vermont, found that when compact fluorescent bulbs were broken, they released vapors of mercury that exceeded acceptable chronic exposure levels (as set by the US Environmental Protection Agency) by nearly 100 times.

Compact fluorescent bulbs need between 1 and 30 milligrams of mercury to produce light. So far, no substitute has been found for this purpose. The bulbs do not emit mercury during regular use, but small quantities of mercury are vaporized when the bulbs break. This can happen, for example, when people hold the glass bulb instead of the base while screwing them into the socket, or drop them.

Sales of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) have soared since people started using them to help in the fight against global warming. They use only one-fourth the energy consumed by regular incandescent bulbs and they also last nearly 10 times longer.

In 2007, sales of the CFLs reached 290 million bulbs which was nearly twice the number sold the previous year. These bulbs, which usually carry the “Energy Star” label, now comprise 20 percent of the light bulb market in the country, and sales are only expected to grow further, especially since there is a new law requiring more energy-efficient lighting by 2012.

Despite the risks, the researchers say the benefits of using the CFLs far outweigh the risks. CFLs provide the best way for homeowners to save on electricity. The US Department of Energy estimates that if every American household replaced just one regular incandescent bulb with a CFL, the country would save over $600 million in energy costs annually and reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 800,000 cars.

Safety Tips:

• In case a CFL breaks, immediately get the children out of the room (and pets, if any).

• Open the windows and make sure the room is well ventilated. This will help lower mercury levels.

• Don’t use CFLs on tables or in places where they can easily be broken. Use them where children cannot reach them.

• Don’t use a vacuum to clean carpets or rugs. Instead, use stiff paper (such as cardboard or index cards) or tape to pick up the broken pieces of CFL. Wipe the area afterwards with a damp paper towel.

• Place all broken pieces and shards in a covered glass jar.