So we've been told to replace our old incandescent bulbs with the energy efficient Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs). I don't care for the way they take time to 'light up' to their full brightness or that I can't use them on my sockets with dimmer switches because they hum. But now, I really don't want to use them anywhere!
My DH was changing the bulb and it broke off in his hand. I knew there was something bad about breaking CFLs (couldn't remember at the moment what it was) but I alerted him to not touch anything until I checked. I Googled (of course) and found this link from the Environmental Protection Agency about cleaning up a broken CFL. I immediately felt panic! Remove people and pets...open windows...do not vacuum...turn off central air...etc. I read that mercury was the bad thing about CFLs and disposing of it properly is a big deal.
I wonder why 'they' are selling such a dangerous product. If it is that risky and hazardous if you simply break a light bulb...that's just not right! I don't want to use something that can potentially contaminate my house and environment. Later I read this article from The National Post and it basically presented the extreme nightmare scenario of a broken bulb! While the EPA says not to be alarmed and the instructions offer precautions and reflect best practices, it's still scary to me. Just so you know...
Reading this, I started to think ........
If you follow the ideas presented on this blog about preparing your own food, you are really helping to save energy.
How much energy is wasted by shipping processed frozen waffles across the country?
Posted by: Joe/USA/OHIO | March 11, 2012 at 11:23 PM