Fluorescent lights might kill you? Part II
Remember when we told you compact fluorescent lights won't kill you? We're still sticking to that story, BUT ace weatherman and science writer extraordinaire Frank Roylance had a really good story today about the hazards behind these popular energy-saving bulbs.
While it's still true that CFLs contain an average of 5 milligrams of mercry -- Frank says, that's about a speck that would barely cover the tip of a pen -- disposal of the bulbs can be hazardous if they break. And if enough people, we're talking the millions who have converted to CFLs from the old incandescents, just toss them in the trash then that's a whole lot of hazardous mercury in our landfills... which could eventually seep into the earth.
When you put it that way, it does make you think twice about CFLs. Yes, they're still great energy savers. But seriously, you have to be careful with CFLs when you're getting rid of them. As Frank's story says, the country needs to come up with better disposal methods for CFLs.
Here's how to do your part to protect yourself and the environment:
The Environmental Protection Agency recommends taking precautions when cleaning up compact fluorescent bulbs because they contain small amounts of mercury - much less than a standard thermometer:
• Send people and pets out of the room. Open windows and air the room out for 15 minutes. Shut off forced-air heating and air-conditioning systems.
• Scoop up glass fragments and powder with a stiff paper or cardboard and seal them in a glass jar or plastic bag.
• Use sticky tape to pick up any remaining debris. Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or wet wipes, and place them in the jar or bag.
• If vacuuming is necessary, remove the bag after you're done, or wipe the canister and dispose of everything in the plastic bag with the other debris.
• Immediately place the debris bag or jar outside, and dispose of them as required by your state or local government - at a recycling center if necessary.
• The next few times you vacuum, open the windows and shut off the forced-air systems before you start, and for 15 minutes after you're through.
A native of Vietnam, 