Incandescent bulb safety?
Last week, I needed to buy a new light bulb for my living room. I’ve heard about the new incandescent bulbs and how they last longer and use less electricity. Even though the bulbs cost around $5-$7 each, instead of $1 for a regular bulb, I thought I’d try them just for curiosity’s sake. Some people even say that the light from the new bulbs is comparable to the older bulbs (though, I bet that comparison is like saying Diet Dr. Pepper is the same as regular).
Sounds too good to be true? According to two articles at WorldNetDaily (here and here), the bulbs also carry an unhealthy amount of mercury.
From “Light-bulb ban craze exceeds disposal plans”:
While CFLs arguably use less energy and last longer than incandescents, there is one serious environmental drawback – the presence of small amounts of highly toxic mercury in each and every bulb. This poses problems for consumers when breakage occurs and for disposal when bulbs eventually do burn out.
There are some other factors to consider:
Consumers are discovering other downsides of CFLs besides convenience and safety issues:
* Most do not work with dimmer switches
* They are available in only a few sizes
* Some emit a bluish light
* Some people say they get headaches while working or reading under them
* They cannot be used in recessed lighting enclosures or enclosed globes
* Fires are seen as a slight possibility
I think I’m going to wait until later to try these bulbs out. It’s only inevitable that environmentalists get the non-poisonous light bulbs banned.
Tags: [environmentalism, incandescent bulbs]