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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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!

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• 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.
  

NPR: CFL Bulbs Have One Hitch: Toxic Mercury

Mercury Fears in CFL Bulbs Overblown?

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

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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.

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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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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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