Better information on ‘eco lights’ critical

The Green Party is calling for better consumer information to be provided on how to deal with the mercury content of compact fluorescent lights (CFLs).

“People have a right to know that CFLs contain tiny amounts of mercury (about the size of 1-3 grains of salt, depending on the brand) and what they should do if one breaks, or finally wears out,” Green Party Co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons says.

“The Electricity Commission is funding a large scale change from incandescent lights to CFLs because they use only a fifth of the electricity to give the same light, and last many years. The energy savings are very worthwhile, but consumers aren’t being given the information they need to use and dispose of them wisely.

“I have been getting emails from concerned members of the public who want to do the right thing by using energy efficient lights, but have been scared by reports circulating on the internet about the toxicity of mercury.

“Mercury is a toxic substance, but you can avoid being exposed to it if you know what to do. If a light breaks, never vacuum up the pieces. Vacuuming will heat the mercury particles and vapourise them, and they could be breathed in. Instead carefully sweep the glass pieces into a plastic bag and seal it inside another one before putting in the rubbish. If the mercury has formed a visible droplet use an eye dropper to remove it, then put the dropper into a plastic bag sealed inside another one.

The Greens also want to see safe disposal systems in place for used lights. “Just as with computers, batteries, motor oil and other hazardous waste householders need to be able to safely dispose of mercury, and recycling programs must keep pace,” Ms Fitzsimons says.

“Fortunately we have some time to get this right, as the lights last so long there will be very few needing disposal right away, and they can be sealed in a plastic bag and put in the landfill. There are a number of valuable materials in the ballast at the base of the lamp and by the time New Zealand has large numbers of used lights needing disposal, I would like to see comprehensive recycling systems operating at main outlets.

“Other much larger household sources of mercury include thermometers and barometers, which should be treated with even more caution if they break. Coal fired power stations also emit mercury into the environment. Energy efficient lights reduce the burning of coal for electricity generation thereby reducing mercury pollution from this source,” Ms Fitzsimons says.

Further information is available at http://www.ecobulb.co.nz/Technical_Safety.htm

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