EnviroZine - Any Questions?

EnviroZine - Any Questions?: "Are fluorescent bulbs that contain mercury more harmful to the environment and human health than incandescent bulbs? Sherwood Park, Alberta Fluorescent lightbulb Although fluorescent lamps contain small quantities of mercury, they are far more energy efficient than incandescent lights. This is an important consideration when evaluating the amount of mercury released into the environment during the entire life-cycle of the bulb. Coal-fired electricity generation represents one of the largest sources of atmospheric mercury emissions to the Canadian environment. Therefore, the use of fluorescent lamps in place of incandescent bulbs can reduce energy consumption and may, as a result, decrease overall mercury emissions. At this time, no viable replacement has been found for mercury, an essential component, in fluorescent lamps. Most lamp manufacturers are working to reduce the mercury content of fluorescent lamps to the minimum amount feasible without reducing lamp life. Through the Canada-Wide Standards initiative, manufacturers have committed to significant reductions in the amount of mercury in lamps. Mercury-free fluorescent lamps are available using xenon; however, their efficiency is about 30 per cent of that of a mercury-based fluorescent lamp. Moreover, it is important that fluorescent lamps are properly disposed of in order to prevent mercury releases from the bulb. Recycl"