Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Fluorescent light bulbs are touted as great energy savers, but there are some serious concerns about their safety and quality of light.

Here to discuss this subject is WTOP Call For Action Director Shirley Rooker.

What is the background behind the move to fluorescent lighting?

There is a government mandate that over a three-year period beginning in 2012 all new bulbs will have to use 25 to 30 percent less energy to produce the same light as the incandescent bulbs being used today. Fluorescent bulbs, which contain mercury, have been touted as the answer, and until recently there weren't many options. However, companies are now pushing to develop bulbs that don't use the element.

Are we going to be happy with the quality of the light produced by fluorescent bulbs?

Not unless there are some significant improvements over the fluorescent lights available in the marketplace today. The New York Times did a comparison of the quality of light from 21 bulbs, including 14 compact fluorescents. They found that the response of the testing panel went the range from a collective groan to enthusiasm at what they saw. The trick for consumers is to buy bulbs that will suit their home environment. Since these bulbs are considerably more expensive than incandescent bulbs, the family budget may not allow too much experimenting. Fluorescent bulbs are supposed to last three to ten times as long as incandescent bulbs.

Are there other concerns?

Yes. Cleaning up breakage and recycling are challenges because of the mercury in fluorescent bulbs. Since the mercury can be a health hazard, you need to use care before cleaning up a broken bulb. Everyone, including pets, should leave the room, and don't let anyone walk through the breakage on the way out. Open the windows and let the room air out for at least 15 minutes before attempting to clean up the mess. Also, shut off the central heating or air conditioning system so you don't get residue in the ducts.

Recycling is also a challenge because you should not just place them in your regular trash. At this point, recycling can take some effort on the part of consumers. Depending on where you live, you may have to take the bulbs to a special center for recycling hazardous waste. In other areas, there will be very limited pickups, meaning you will have to keep burnt out bulbs in a secure place until they are collected. A major concern is the amount of mercury that will be released into the environment when these bulbs end up in landfills. It is estimated there are about 4 billion light bulb sockets in American homes, presenting an incredible amount of fluorescent bulbs that will make their way into hazardous waste dumps.

What are the other options that are being developed?

There are a number of research projects looking into ways to produce energy efficient bulbs without mercury. The first ones to make their way into the market are Philips Lighting's Halogena Energy Savers. While not quite as efficient as fluorescent bulbs, they are a vast improvement over old-style light bulbs. With all the research that is being undertaken, it is reasonable to expect a number of new lighting options over the next couple of years.

For additional information on mercury, click here.