How safe is your light bulb?
2008-04-24
Lise Beyers
WHILE energy-saving light bulbs, also known as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), have been the buzz-word ever since Eskom crashed two years ago, numerous questions are being asked about the safety of these globes which are supposed to save the ozone layer. Recently a Paarl family reported that while in their kitchen the CFL bulb, which had only been installed two months ago, flickered and eventually died a sudden death. But they where shocked when an extremely strong toxic smell from the bulb filled their large house, making them almost choke on it. They quickly opened up every possible window and door and evacuated the home. Even after the globe was removed the strong stench remained in the house for a few days. Once the bulb was removed from the fitting, one could clearly see where a leakage had occurred, enabling the gas to seep out of the globe. They were even more shocked to find out that the gas that had leaked out was mercury. CFL’s have been all the rage during the power crisis, due to it indeed being extremely energy efficient. These globes use up to 80% less energy than conventional globes, and although they are more costly, their lifespan is much longer and this together with the energy saving factor will eventually counteract the expense. But while its energy saving aspects are currently being force-fed to the public, even being handed out for free, little is said about the health threat which lies within these innocent looking spiral lights. Each household CFL bulb contains 5 mg of mercury, and if it breaks or a leakage occurs, it can cause a health threat. Internationally these globes have been marked as hazardous material, which should be disposed of in special containers. These are then disposed of in an environmentally friendly way. Batteries should be disposed of in the same way, but the Drakenstein area has no proper disposal facilities for any hazardous waste. This is sure to become an environmental issue as the use of CFL’s increase and the toxic materials seep into the Berg River, adjacent to the main rubbish bump in Wellington. The closest dumping sight for these are in Vissershok, outside Cape Town. It has also been reported that the use of CFL’s trigger migraines due to its rapid flickering. Although this is invisible to the eye, the brain does register it, causing migraines. Close contact with these lamps can also cause flare ups of skin disorders such as eczema. In the event of energy-saving light bulbs breaking, one should immediately evacuate the room without inhaling the fumes. The remains of the globe must then be carefully swept up and sealed in a bag before being dumped in a recycling bin for hazardous materials. And the debris should only be handled with rubber gloves to avoid close contact with the broken mercury contaminated glass shards. So, how safe are your energy-saving light bulbs?
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