Question: is it true that the only available lightbulbs will be fluorescent?

Question

And that these bulbs contain mercury which is toxic?

Will Congress outlaw other types of lightbulbs? I was told this today.

If so, why would the USA standardize on a lightbulb which contains mercury?

Won't these bulbs break in landfills and the mercury get into the ground water?

If you have info on this, please share.. Very odd if true in my opinion..

Answer 1

Yes it is true and I haven't heard the government address the issue of disposing of them.  They are supposed to last 6 to 7 years.  It isn't any different than using nuclear energy but not having a place to store the waste.  Its as if the answer to one problem creates even worse problems later on.  They do save a lot of energy usage.  I believe in the near future, recycling will become law rather than optional.

It has become obvious that energy has overtaken the health concerns in this country even when considering our trade with other countries.

Answer 2

Sure.

Answer 3

For the same reason we allow coal plants, for which the end result is mercury emission.

Answer 4

I head it before as well. I heard it on a news talk show with Glenn Beck. I am not sure if it is actually outlawed or when the time limit is. I never thought about before but the mercury thing makes sense. I definitely see your point of view. It is something to look into. Oh and yes they do have mercury in them.

Answer 5

CFL are only toxic if they break.  Yes congress passed a law that all new light bulbs to be sold will have to be the florescent, CFL.  So don't break em.

Answer 6

Yes, it's true. Effective at some unknown date but in the year 2012, incandescent bulbs will no longer be made in the U.S.

Mercury poisoning? Yes......Something our wonderful folks in Congress didn't think about. Duh!

In the same context, top loading washers and dryers will soon be illegal in the U.S. According to other laws, only washers / dryers loading from the front will be made and sold. Why?

Well, the brilliant politicians who dreamed this one up are the same nuts ...er, uh....politicians who managed light bulbs.

Answer 7

Yeah, we done it now, we're all doomed.