Going Green - Energy Saving Light-Bulbs - are they safe?

This article is not intended to investigte the whole Global Warming Debate; while I may disagree with much I see on TV about this whole issue, there are obviously signs that something is going on in the world, and there is a need for us all to start being more green.

I see nothing wrong with going green, and generally no harm can come of humanity changing its habits and trying to reduce carbon footprints and lower our impact on the world.

However, going green can have dangers that many are not aware of; take the energy efficient light-bulb. While it saves energy and staves off one environmental issue, did you know that it actually has hazardous mercury in it? Therefore if the energy efficient light-bulbs are not disposed of correctly they can cause harm, and create a different environmental issue.

The humble light-bulb is being brandished about as the hero of the green initiative. Energy saving light-bulbs are the rage, and soon you won't be able to buy the standard filament oriented light-bulb.

However, while there are benefits to using the new green lightbulbs, there are some hazards that most people are unaware of.

 The benefits of the energy saving light-bulb are varied:

• Efficient: these light-bulbs are four times more efficient than regular light-bulbs and last up to ten times longer. (My experience is that they last about three to four times longer)
• Cheaper - while expensive, they will use about 33% of the energy of a traditional light-bulb. You may not save much money, but this will increase as they become more efficient - however if you're saving the environment, then the cost doesn't really matter.
• Reduces pollution - the statistics say that when everyone begins to use these light-bulbs, then we will be able to close 90 power stations - thus reducing the carbon footprint.

Ventilate the room

• All humans and pets should stay away from the room where the bulb has been broken, and should make sure they do not touch the breakage.
• Open windows and leave the room for 30 minutes.
• Shut of air conditioning.

Clean-Up Steps for Tiles / floors (or other hard surfaces)

• Scoop up fragments and powder using cardboard (probably best to wear rubber gloves if you have them). Place fragments in a sealed container or sealed plastic bag.
• Use sticky tape to get up all remaining fragments from floor. (Don’t use a vacuum cleaner or broom as this is likely to cause dust to enter the immediate atmosphere)
• Wipe floor clean with a damp paper towel and seal in a sealed container or sealed plastic bag.
• Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes and place them in the glass jar or plastic bag.

Clean-up Steps for non hard surface (rug or carpet)

• Where possible, follow the instructions for the hard surface above.
• Vaccuum if needed once all visible debris has been removed.
• Remove the vacuum bag and put in a sealed plastic bag.

Disposal of Clean-up Materials (Check with local authority for any additional laws for your area).

• Remove all cleaning materials and place them in trash container (or take them to a recycling center if required by your local authority).
• Thoroughly wash hands after disposal.
• It’s probably a good idea to keep ventilating for the next few times you vacuum this area.