RESPONSE TO CONCERNS ABOUT COMPACT FLUORESCENT BULBS

MERCURY IN COMPACT FLUORESCENT BULBS

It is crucial that people convert to compact fluorescent bulbs for the following reasons:
1. There will be less mercury contamination if people use compact fluorescent bulbs (see below).
2. It is critical that we reduce our carbon emissions to help prevent catastrophic climate change
3. As the use of compact fluorescent bulbs becomes more common place, local governments will be more likely start providing recycling or special disposal for them. Right now, not a lot are available for recycling, partly because they last so long and their use has only recently become widespread.

 The Environmental Protection Agency agrees that use of compact fluorescent bulbs causes less mercury contamination than the use of regular bulbs.  The environmental protection agency states that "CFLs present an opportunity to prevent mercury from entering our air, where it most affects our health." We'll quote the pertinent part of the Union of Concerned Scientists spring newsletter ("earthwise") which sums things up: "One drawback to CFLs is that they use a small amount of mercury (about five milligrams) to generate light. However, this pales in comparison with the amount produced by the largest source of U.S. mercury emissions: the coal-burning power plants that produce 52 percent of our nation's power. For example, the average existing coal-fired power plant emits 13.6 milligrams of mercury to power a typical incandescent bulb, but only 3.3 milligrams for a CFL. The reduction in mercury emissions achieved by burning less coal exceeds the five milligrams of mercury inside a CFL. And unlike coal-fired power plants, which emit mercury directly into the atmosphere (where it most affects our health), the mercury in CFLs can be contained as long as you dispose of them properly. "

Compact fluorescent bulbs should be recycled or brought to your local Household Hazardous Waste Collection  Site if they accept them, but even if they are thrown in the trash, it is still  better than using regular light bulbs. If your local sites do not accept CFL's the Environmental Protection Agency recommends that you "seal the CFL in a plastic bag and place with your regular trash."

CONCERN ABOUT THE WAY THE LIGHT LOOKS

Some people do not like the light of certain CFL bulbs.  Like regular bulbs they vary in brightness and color quality.  The light varies a lot by brand (but not by price).  Check out your friend's lights to find a brand and color tone you like.