CFL Light bulbs; the real truth!
Most people have become familiar with the fact that incandescent light bulbs are going away. These tried and true sources of light are now being quickly replaced buy a new type of light bulb. The Compact Fluorescent Light of more commonly CFL.
These “curly” tubes are constructed just like the fluorescent bulbs that have been in use for years. A gas and chemical filled tube is powered by a ballast to create light. CFL’s cost more than incandescent bulbs but considering they use less electricity CFL’s, on the surface, seem like a good idea.
The reality is CFL’s are not a good idea at all! Like their fluorescent predecessor CFL’s contain Mercury and Phosphorous with are both categorized across the globe as hazardous Materials. If a CFL light bulb breaks the EPA and other regulatory organizations have very strict clean up regulations including;
- Room evacuation
- Shutting down of heating/air conditioning
- Protective breathing mask, gloves and body protection.
If the clean-up of the broken CFL is not bad enough consider this broken CFL bulb is now considered “Hazardous Waist” and in most states cannot be thrown in the trash. That being said CFL’s are being simply being thrown away with the rest of our trash polluting our air, soil and water supply. In years to come CFLs have the potential of creating a greater threat to our environment then the current problem they are meant to solve.