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What Are the Dangers of Energy Efficient Light Bulbs?



More people are jumping on the green "conservation bandwagon" to do their part in conserving energy. Replacing incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient compact fluorescent lights around the house and at the office is a popular trend in America. Boasting 50 percent less energy usage than the incandescent light bulbs used for over a century, the compact fluorescent lights seem to be an ideal energy saver. But using them pose potential dangers.
Toxic Materials

Fluorescent lights rely on the liquid form of mercury as their source of energy. Known as metallic mercury, this element in compact fluorescent lights requires caution. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the mercury poses no danger unless the light bulb is broken, releasing the mercury vapors into the air. The vapors are toxic to humans and animals. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, the health risks increase over time if the mercury is not properly removed.


Health Dangers

Inhalation of mercury vapors in enclosed areas can result in serious health problems. According to the National Institute of Health's Office of Research, "Exposure to excessive levels of metallic mercury can permanently damage or fatally injure the brain and kidneys. Elemental mercury can also be absorbed through the skin and cause allergic reactions." A 1997 study conducted at Shanghai Medical University, published in the "Annals of Clinical Laboratory Science," found that metallic mercury can be transferred to unborn babies via the placenta and secreted to a newborn via the mother's milk when breastfeeding. British dermatologist John Hawk points to fluorescent lighting as a trigger for eczema in individuals with sensitive skin. An article in Britain's Mail Online quotes Hawk as saying, "Certain forms of eczema, some of which are very common, do flare up badly anywhere near fluorescent lights, so these people have to just be around incandescent [old-style] lighting."
Environmental Dangers

The World Health Organization warns that mercury vapors can remain in the atmosphere for up to one year, usually ending up in lake-bottom sediments, and then change into a more toxic form known as methyl mercury. Fish absorb this toxin into their tissue, and the mercury continues to be passed along in the food chain when birds and other animals eat the fish. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, "Once released into the environment, mercury is very hard to clear up." The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends recycling used mercury-containing products, such as compact fluorescent lights, instead of throwing them in a trash can. Some home improvement stores offer free disposal and recycling of compact fluorescent lig


Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/137512-what-are-dangers-energy-efficient-li...
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