Low-energy bulb disposal warning



Low-energy bulbs contain a small amount of mercury

The public should be told more about the environmental risks of low-energy light bulbs so they are disposed of correctly, the Environment Agency says.

Low-energy bulbs contain small amounts of poisonous mercury and are classed as hazardous waste.

If one breaks, the room should be aired and the pieces removed in a sealed bag without using a vacuum cleaner.

The agency says householders need to be given more information about where to take the bulbs for safe recycling.
Low-energy bulbs are to replace tungsten bulbs by 2011 under government plans.

The conventional or "incandescent" bulbs are being phased out in a voluntary agreement with retailers.

Health warnings

The government wants to end the sale of conventional bulbs to cut carbon dioxide emissions.

But the Environment Agency says manufacturers' packaging fails to mention official health warnings on what to do if a bulb smashes in the home.

If a bulb smashes the room should be ventilated, and people are advised not to inhale the dust.

The lighting industry and the environment department say the risk of pollution posed by low-energy bulbs is negligible compared to that caused by power stations feeding the UK's demand for electricity.

Allways a catch, eh?

I remember breaking a couple of these bulbs and just throwing them away.

Didn't realize there was anything in them like that... that is good to know!

-RMS Carpathia-

I like how the environment has become more important than the people. The new bulbs have mercury, and the new freon is poisonous.

Heres some info on these lovely bulbs...
http://www.epa.gov/bulbrecycling/
http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partner...et_Mercury.pdf

I love the way they have been giving them away free for years and now decide to tell us they are potential killers.
Over population cleansing at its best

There is more danger under everyone's kitchen sink cabinet than in the CFC bulbs. Just be careful with the bulbs.

Six months ago I replaced almost every light bulb in my house with some type of new CFC bulb. About 9 month ago I finally replaced the washer and dryer with new "green" models. Before that I had remodeled my kitchen and replaced all the old 20+ year appliances with Energy Star appliances. And a year ago replaced the heating, air conditioning, and thermostat units with new high efficiency ones.

My monthly electric bill alone is now 1/3 of what it used to be... used to be $150, now it's under $50. Have seen lower costs for water and natural gas too.

Monday I'm installing the new water heater I bought last week. And new ceiling insulation and windows in the spring.

To be "green" or not to be "green"... who cares about the politics of "green", do it for the savings!

Good point Nok, and actually, they're not "just telling us now", it's just that the people using them NO LONGER READ THE BOX because everything has been too "dumbed down" that 99% of stuff written as warnings are not read (ummm, I know coffee is hot, there isn't a need to caution me about it.... stupid lady *grumbles*). But if you do have a box for one, you'll notice it DOES (they always have) have a note that proper disposal is needed.

I just paid my utilities last week.

• Electric: $35
• Gas: $16
• Water: $18
• Phone (including 3m Internet): $58

Saturday I installed the new water heater, I'll find out what it saves next month.

Anyone who wants to leave California for someplace "cheaper" to live? Keep going and don't let the Mojave Desert hit your butt on the way out! *Muhahahahaha*

Nah, if I were in California, I'd leave 'cause I don't speak fluent spanish