Low Energy Light Bulb Disposable Warning

Low Energy Light Bulb Disposable Warning is an article page giving information on eco bulbs.

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Low-energy bulb disposal warning

First an overview:

Since we’re all now all supposed to be going green low energy saving light bulbs has popped up as one of the greatest bright ideas (no pun intended). They’re meant to be energy saving and money saving too! In essence, they use up to 80 per cent less electricity than a standard bulb, but produce the same amount of light. This is undoubtedly a phenomenon meaning you can be good to the environment as well as saving money.

Advances in technology mean that energy saving light bulbs is now available in a wide variety of fittings, shapes and sizes to suit all. They are fast becoming the norm and the recommended alternative to the outdated bulb.

Just recently the Environment Agency has called for more information to be made available on the health and environmental risks posed by low-energy light bulbs.

These bulbs actually contain a small amount of mercury (Mercury(IPA: /ˈmɜrkjʊri/), also called quicksilver, is a chemical element with the symbol Hg (Latinized Greek: hydrargyrum, meaning watery or liquid silver). Mercury is commonly used in thermometers, manometers, barometers, sphygmomanometers, float valves, and other scientific apparatus. There are in fact a few concerns about mercury’s toxicity have led to mercury thermometers and sphygmomanometers being largely phased out in clinical environments in favour of alcohol-filled, digital, or thermistor-based instruments.

The Environment Agency suggests more information is provided about the safe recycling of these products. It also wants clear and precise health warnings printed on all packaging and information exactly how to clear up smashed bulbs in our home.

There is, however, a toxicologist called Dr David Spurgeon that says "Because these light bulbs contain small amounts of mercury they could cause a problem if they are disposed of in a normal waste-bin. “

"It is possible that the mercury they contain could be released either into the air or from land-fill when they are released into the wider environment.”

"That's a concern, because mercury is a well known toxic substance."

Advice from the Department of the Environment states that if you accidentally smash a low-energy bulb in your home you’ve got to make sure that the room is vacated for at least 15 minutes, making sure not to vacuum any of the debris and taking care not to inhale the dust particles.

They basically instruct us to use rubber gloves when picking up the low energy bulb fragments and putting them into a sealed plastic bag, then taking it down to your local council for disposal.

A vacuum cleaner should not be used to clear up the debris, and care should be taken not to inhale the dust.

This is written by Joe Polanski Smith. If you’re interested in Environmentally Friendly Products for Sustainable Living check out Nigel's Eco Store - eco stuff you'll love or for more information check out http://www.doeni.gov.uk/ni-ised_rohs_consultation_september_2007.pdf which is a consultation paper by the government.

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