The low down on compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs)

With the upcoming ban on conventional light bulbs in Ireland, the same question about mercury in CFLs is being heard. CFL bulbs contain mercury & when broken or thrown into bins & landfills, they break allowing mercury to escape causing possible contamination & pollution.

CFL bulbs can be disposed of correctly & safely at a special facility. Where are they & in reality who will know how to dispose of them? Who will throw them in the bin? Realistically who disposes of batteries correctly? Same thing?

CFL Bulb Facts

• average 4-5 milligrams of mercury per bulb (covering the tip of a pen)
• 4-5 milligrams unlikely to cause risk to humans (still avoid contact with it)
• up to 10 times longer lasting
• less waste for landfill
• less greenhouse gases
• up to 75% less energy
• less pollution from electricity production
• less contamination & pollution in landfill
• mercury not released when bulb is not broken
• electricity use creates higher levels of mercury than CFLs
• CFLs produce less mercury during electricity use than normal bulbs

Definitely the more environmental choice all round.  Most general retailers now stock cfls.  FreeMan Electrical in Dublin supply cfls for wholesale.

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