7th March 2007

Healthy Lighting: Mercury and CFLs

posted in Fireplace: Conserv Energy |

Does a CFL release more Mercury into the environment than a regular light…..
No if you recycle the CFL when it expires, Yes if you throw it away.

cfl_lowmecury_1_180.jpgThis EPA CFL Fact sheet compares Mercury emissions for the whole life-cycle of CFLs and Incandescent bulbs.  This worksheet incorrectly assumes all electricity is from coal generation.  In Minnesota, aproximately half of our electricity is from coal, which releases Mercury.  The remaing half of eletricty generation (Nuclear, Natural Gas, Hydro, Wind, Biomass) does not release any Mercury.  Taking this into account CFLs and Incandescent bulbs have near idential Mercury emissions over their lifetime.  CFLs will still reduce CO2, SOx and NOx emissions.  CFLs are the better choice.

However, there are even better options then basic CFLs for lighting.

Better: Phillips CFL Mercury reduction
Best: LED Light bulbs

More:

Treehugger: green ligting
Most Efficent Lighting- via Treehugger

lumenswatt.jpg

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 7th, 2007 at 9:58 am and is filed under Fireplace: Conserv Energy. written by: Jason
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    • There are currently 3 responses to “Healthy Lighting: Mercury and CFLs”

    Share Your mind.... adding your comment!

    1. 1 On March 7th, 2007, rgl said:

      LED lights that is intresting. Where do I get them and what do they cost?

    2. 2 On April 6th, 2008, Nicky5H said:

      Yeah!! (Wrings hands)! Nice blog you have here. I’ve enjoyed much reading your last posts. Keep it that way.

    3. 3 On April 9th, 2008, Sueblimely said:

      I’m supporting this idea all the way! I can not imagine who would disagree with it. On the whole - make posts like this more often.

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