Information About Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) & Mercury

I’ve heard about CFLs containing mercury. Are they still a better option? This is so confusing.

The vision for the EcoMom Alliance was born out of a conversation I witnessed about compact fluorescent lights, commonly knows as CFLs, so I have a fondness for these “twisty” bulbs and consulted with our program director, Chrise de Tournay Birkhahn, to respond to your question. CFLs use 75 percent less energy than a standard incandescent bulb and can last up to 15 times longer. Though slightly more expensive at point of purchase, CFLs will save you money in the long run and use far less electricity to produce light, thus generating much less heat; conversely, incandescent bulbs use roughly 80 percent of their electricity to produce heat instead of light.

CFLs use similar technology as the fluorescent lighting we knew growing up, but vast improvements have been made – these new bulbs have warmer colors, do not hum or flicker, and many are now dimmable.

CFLs do indeed contain mercury, but don't let the very small amount of mercury in the bulbs deter you. Even if we were to break open all of the CFLs currently in use, the damage to our health and the environment would still be far less than that which is caused by coal-fired power plants on a regular basis. CFLs use less energy, save us money, and do less damage to our environment by reducing our energy consumption and air pollution. 

That said, CFLs are considered a hazardous material and must be disposed of properly. Under no circumstances should they end up in your garbage, but there are an ever-increasing variety of collection programs that will take them off your hands quite easily. Check with your local waste management company for proper disposal. And recycling centers, stores where purchased, and city-sponsored collection points are all current options, as well as Home Depot and Ikea.

In the case of breakage, it is by no means necessary to call in the haz-mat team, but to best protect you and your family, there are a few steps to follow:

• Have children and pregnant women leave the room.

• Air out the area with the broken bulb for 15 minutes or more.

• Turn off any air conditioner or air circulation system.

• Protect yourself from breathing in the dust or vapors.

• Use a glove while carefully picking up the larger pieces, and then use two pieces of stiff paper or cardstock to collect the smaller pieces and dust.

• Place everything in a sealed plastic bag and mark it "Hazardous waste: broken bulb."

It sounds like a lot, but the pros far outweigh the cons – as is evidenced by the federal government’s support of CFLs. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 mandates a decrease in wattage of lightbulbs without a reduction of light emitted by 2014 – and many companies have moved that deadline forward and are rolling out improved bulbs as fast as they can. LEDs too.

A few more things to keep in mind: CFLs do not perform well in recessed lighting fixtures, though manufacturers are addressing this issue. The overheating that occurs in these fixtures, as well as in glass-covered ones, shortens the life of the bulb. Dimmable bulbs are increasingly available, and more flattering color tones keep coming on the market. CFLs also perform to maximum lifespan when left on for an hour or more, so hallways and closets, which may be high on-and-off usage areas, are not the best place for them. And remember to shop around – prices vary depending on the size of the store, or if your local power company subsidized a store's program. Buying in bulk with friends, neighbors, or an organization can save you money too.