Are fluorescent bulbs really the best choice?

Question

The other day, I told my mom we should get fluorescent because they last longer and are better for the earth. However, she told me that this isn't necessarily true. She told me that the bulbs contain mercury, which harms the earth, and that no landfill has been made to "get rid" of the mercury. So, are they really better for the earth?

Answer 1

FLUORESCENT LIGHTS ARE BAD FOR YOUR EYES AND MOST OF THE INDUSTRIAL PLANTS HAVE ALREADY CHANGED THEM OUT FOR THAT REASON.

Answer 2

A compact fluorescent lightbulb contains only a few milligrams of mercury. The extra electricity consumed by an incandescent lightbulb releases more mercury into the atmosphere from burning the fossil fuels to generate it. So, on balance, compact fluorescent lightbulbs are better for the environment and less costly to the consumer, taking into account the cost of electricity.

Answer 3

Yes and no.  CFLs are better than incandescent bulbs.  In fact, they produce less total mercury than incandescents.  This is because one byproduct of burning coal is mercury, and 50% of the energy in the US comes from coal burning power plants.  As this graphic shows, the energy savings of a CFL actually more than offsets the mercury they contain (which is only the size of the tip of a ballpoint pen):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Mercu...

However, LEDs are better than CFLs.  They don't contain any mercury, and use even less energy.  They cost a lot up front, but because they last so long and use so little energy, over their lifetimes LEDs can cost less than CFLs, and far less than incandescents.  And yes in response to AJY below, LEDs do come in standard light socket sizes (see link below).

http://greenhome.huddler.com/products/ca...

Answer 4

Gee Wiz and crash are smoking crack-their answers are too abrupt without a debate...Sir Readalot is correct.  Also, to assist crash, another writer mentioned LED bulbs.  This technology will be sweet once they work out the bugs.  LED bulbs are instant-on but are not perfected yet, as you will notice on stop-and-go lights.  A good number that have been swapped out work fine but there are those few that go dim within a short period.

My suggestion: change the bulbs which you use for more than 30 minutes at a time - like the light in the kitchen, bathroom, dining room, and don't forget the lamp post out front if you have one.  Just remember to get a dimmable CFL, if you have a dimmable fixture.

Answer 5

They do contain mercury, but it's in an amalgam form--much like the fillings in your teeth are if you have any.  The amount that's in there is so minute that if you weren't to take the bulbs to be disposed of properly, it would likely dissipate naturally.

Answer 6

it will no longer be your choice 4 years from now.

legislation passed last year makes it illegal to sell incandescent bulbs in the U.S. after 2012.

so get used to waiting for the light to come on before going down the stairs.

oh yeah, also get used to paying $5 for a light bulb instead of 50 cents.

Answer 7

I agree with you.  The fact that they have so little Mercury is not the factor it is the build up of a million bulbs tossed into a land fill.  Add up all those microns and you are starting to get a heck of a lot of contamination.

Answer 8

Sir Readalot is right, plus, it these bulbs are properly disposed of instead of tossed into the garbage the mercury does absolutly no harm.

Answer 9

Yes, it is true that Compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs do contain mercury. However, what your mom doesn't know is that CFL bulbs can be taken to recycling facilities to properly handle the mercury and any other harmful chemicals.

It is true though that CFL bulbs are much more efficient than standard bulbs. They last many more hours typically (some brands claim up to 7 years). However, in some environments such as high heat or moist environments, CFL bulbs will not utilize its potential lighting life.

The most efficient of the bulbs is LED bulbs, however, LED bulbs do not currently come in standard size bulbs that I know of at this point.

In my opinion, if you are going to use a CFL bulb, it should be on a light you are going to leave on a lot (i.e. a lamp, kitchen lights, living room lights, etc.). But, sometimes its fine to leave a regular bulb in places that you rarely use (i.e. closet, basement, etc.) since the difference in electrical usage will not be noticeable.

Just make sure to dispose of both bulbs properly. You can find local facilities to recycle specific items at by going to the following website: http://earth911.org/. Good luck!