Friend, in every way, including reducing mercury pollution.
Mercury first.
The use of compact fluorescent light bulbs actually reduces mercury pollution, no matter
That is because they contain less mercury than the fossil fuel saved by using them does. If you used an incandescent instead you'd put more mercury into the environment, in a very effective way, blasting it out of a smokestack.
http://www.cstx.gov/home/index.asp?page=2603
http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/promotions/change_light/downloads/Fact_Sheet_Mercury.pdf
Of course it's best if you recycle the bulbs or dispose of them properly. But, no matter how you dispose of them, they reduce mercury pollution.
And lighting is a huge source of energy consumption. Office buildings use little except energy efficient fluorescent bulbs. If we all changed to compact fluorescent bulbs, we'd make a significant improvement in reducing mercury pollution, energy consumption, dependence on imported oil, and global warming.
They're a very good friend.
Like much in global warming, your intuition is not always right. You need to look at the scientific data. In this case, the data for mercury in the bulbs, versus mercury emissions avoided by using the bulbs.
2007-04-02 02:28:58
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answer #1
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answered by Bob 7
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I think most energy saving bulbs are still fairly expensive so not always an option for people on a budget (even though the saving are there in the long term). I think some countires are moving towards banning the traditional light bulb (possibly Australia but I can't find a specific reference) and I am sure the UK will follow. For the moment though you have the option.
I must say though that all the bulbs in my flat are now energy efficient ones and the energy usage did drop significantly.
JD
2007-04-02 01:13:48
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answer #2
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answered by John D 3
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I didn't know about the mercury, I'm not happy about that. I think old light bulbs are still made because theres still a demand for them; you can't use energy saving bulbs with a dimmer switch, and people on low incomes usually have 30p but can struggle to find £3. They don't fit in all lampshades either.
2007-04-02 01:09:58
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answer #3
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answered by sarah c 7
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Energy saving light bulbs may not be as good as old bulbs in their own way ?
2007-04-02 01:04:23
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answer #4
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answered by kiddIE - 2
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The bottom line to all of this is that the cost of electricity to light your house is insignificant compared to property taxes, mortgage payment, car insurance, watering the lawn, car payment, medical insurance, gasoline at $2.50 per gallon, cable TV, prescription drugs, etc.
So going from $60 a month to light your house down to $15 a month is just not going to be noticed.
That being said, I think LED's will take the market by storm. They emit only in the visible spectrum, are instant on, cool to the touch, and environmentally friendly.
Fluorescent lights for home use have a big problem, mercury.
Compact fluorescent lights can contain 5 mg of mercury per unit. For more information on these lights, see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compact_fluorescent_lamp
Mercury, as an environmental poison, is almost in a class by itself ... it is bad.
2007-04-02 01:59:28
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answer #5
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answered by Anonymous
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Traditional light bulbs do not contain mercury, are less expensive, and do not have to warm up.
The CFL have to warm up, have mercury, but last longer than traditional filament bulbs.
It is ultimately a trade off:
Carbon emissions vs mercury.
Carbon will not kill you as quick as exposure to a toxic quantity of mercury will.
2007-04-02 01:04:40
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answer #6
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answered by Christmas Light Guy 7
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Well they still make candles too, over a hundred years after electric lights were invented. The new technology will gradually and naturally take over the market is it is REALLY good enough to do so. If it takes government laws to make it take over, than it just isn't good enough as a technology. I predict that in the long run, LED lights will take over, but that technology is quite young and has some decades to mature.
2007-04-02 02:46:14
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answer #7
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answered by campbelp2002 7
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"Traditional" light bulbs are already being phased out in Australia. Expect to see it happen over here sometime soon. They are too inefficient both in terms of energy usage (all that heat that should be given off as light), and they do not last as long.
2007-04-02 01:09:24
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answer #8
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answered by cuddles_gb 6
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Energy light bulbs are good for us as we saved on our electricity bill and good for the environment as they produce less carbon. And they last longer too....i hate the traditional light bulb sometime it far to bright and waste too much electricity.
2007-04-02 01:10:30
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answer #9
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answered by timbo_boi15 4
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These energy saving bulbs flicker like fluorescent bulbs which cause eye irritation and tiredness. They aren't good for you.
2007-04-02 01:05:39
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answer #10
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answered by moocher 1
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