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Home and Garden//Home Improvement//Sustainability


HAZARDS OF FLUORESCENT LAMPS

By Robert KorpellaUpdated Aug 24, 2013 7:32 p.m.



Most of the issues with fluorescent lamps occur when bulbs break.Getty

Fluorescent light bulbs are just about everywhere -- in offices, homes, retail
stores and factories. They use less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs
while producing the same amount of light. As a result of the Energy Independence
and Security Act of 2007, which requires increasingly more efficient light
bulbs, fluorescent lamps and compact fluorescent bulbs effectively make
incandescent lighting obsolete. However, fluorescent lighting is not without its
own issues.

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MERCURY



The amount of mercury inside a fluorescent bulb is very small -- only about 5
milligrams, which is hardly enough to coat the tip of an ink pen. Even at such
low levels, though, mercury is dangerous. NBC News reports on a Stanford
University study that revealed even 5 milligrams is enough to pollute 6,000
gallons of water beyond potable levels. As long as the mercury stays inside its
glass tube, the heavy metal poses no threat. If the glass breaks, the metal can
become airborne, or it can contaminate the immediate area in its liquid form.
Other dangerous heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, are also present inside
fluorescent bulbs.


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ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION

A study conducted by Stony Brook University in New York showed that the
ultraviolet light emitted by fluorescent bulbs can damage skin. The study
demonstrated that ultraviolet light leaked through tiny cracks in the
phosphorous coating inside the bulbs. Miriam Rafailovich, who led the study,
said that "the response of healthy skin cells to UV emitted from CFL bulbs is
consistent with damage from ultraviolet radiation." Tests on incandescent bulbs
of the same light intensity did not reveal any damage to healthy skin cells.


CLEAN UP

When a fluorescent bulb breaks, the immediate area must be treated with caution.
Carnegie-Mellon University recommends removing people and pets from the room,
and airing the space for at least 10 minutes. Turn off air handling equipment,
such as air conditioners, fans or heating systems. Pick up the debris with
sticky tape while wearing disposable gloves. Drop the debris into a sealable
container before taking it to a recycling center designated for mercury
recycling.

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DISPOSAL

As of 2013, only California and a handful of other states ban the disposal of
fluorescent bulbs in landfills. Even if tightly packaged, these spent bulbs are
likely to break and spill mercury, lead, cadmium and other substances onto the
ground. From there, these materials can leach into streams, reservoirs and
groundwater supplies. The number of recycling sites that are certified to handle
mercury are limited, but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency maintains an
online list of locations committed to proper disposal.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


REFERENCES

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 * NBC News: Shining a Light on Hazards of Fluorescent Bulbs
 * Scientific American: Are Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs Dangerous?
 * Alliance for Natural Health: Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs: A New Cancer
   Risk in Your Home
 * Stony Brook University: SBU Study Reveals Harmful Effects of CFL Bulbs to
   Skin
 * Carnegie-Mellon University: Fluorescent Lamp Hazards






Aug 25, 2013|Updated Aug 24, 2013 7:32 p.m.
By Robert Korpella

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