A while back, I was pondering Russell Shaw's statement that ...
- "Man too often finds that his "solutions" become his new problems. Most of the difficulties one faces on a regular basis (problems) are, in fact, themselves solutions to earlier problems."
You know I keep wondering if Compact Flourescent Lamps are going to fall in this category sometime in the future.
Yes, they save energy. Yes, I have placed several in my own home. I confess, mainly because I like the idea of not having to climb up and replace them anytime soon.
However, all CFLs contain a small amount of mercury. Here's a quote right off the EPA's fact sheet:
"Mercury is an essential ingredient for most enery-efficient lamps. The amount of mercury in a CFL's glass tubing is small, about 4 mg. However every product containg mercury should be handled with care."
As in, what happens if you accidently drop one of the CFLs, and it breaks? Oops. This homeowner in Maine spent a little over two grand in cleaning up the toxic-waste-mercury-spill on her bedroom floor to the standard required by her state Department of Energy. Oops again.
And what about disposal of these babies when they finally do burn out? They must be taken to a household hazardous waste disposal facility. Go to http://www.lamprecycle.org/ , and click on State Lamp Recycling Regulations and Contacts to see the rules for your state. Do you suppose some folks will cheat and just toss the burnt out lamps in the trash? Nah, people don't do stuff like that.
Every upside has a downside. And visa versa.
Edit: I scanned the product package ... here you go (in PDF format)
I do have some on my shelf --- I snapped a photo of the package -- here you go -- not the most obvious warning -- it is on the back of the package, not the front -- but it is there . When I get to the office later, I scan it for a better image.
Good post. I was aware of this and it shocked me. I remember as a kid throwing the long ones into a trash bin to see them break. Maybe that's what's wrong with me...
It's amazing how we find a solution for one thing that leads to a bigger problem.
Oh, many still water fish are no longer safe in large quantities due to increased mercury levels as well. Oregon has a list. Most other states should as well.