Expert Warns of Health Risks Associated With New Light Bulb Technology

CNSNews ^ | March 10, 2011 | Dan Joseph

[Seaplaner]

I'm not highly worried over impounded water contamination from Hg in fluorescents. I am, however, quite concerned that there is now, and will be for a long time, exposure to young humans from household compact fluorescents, and that embriologic and epidemiologic examinations (based on neurological toxic issues among other things) won't have sufficient data to reveal toxicity for a decade or so.

It's more of an inhalation issue than a drinking water issue.

.

[jazusamo]

Air support for the Viking Kitty Squad?

LOL! Right on, just hang a minigun under each of them. :-)

[Publius6961]

Hmmm and in earthquake country this could be seriously bad news. Can you imagine half a dozen breaking around you and you have to step over them in bare feet to get out of your house? Or get caught inside and can’t get out? Hmmmmm....not good.

You ARE aware that the normal fluorescent tubes we have all been using for a hundred years each contains more mercury than the typical new CFBs?

[Publius6961]

I don't think any law should have been passed to in effect limit and then force incandescent use out. Let the market decide, if they're indeed cost effective the people will eventually switch over anyway.

I totally agree with that.
Choice is the hallmark of a free exchange private enterprise society.

Saving the stupid and ignorant from themselves is a lame excuse for government totalitarianism.

[353FMG]

Mercury is great for bone embrittlement. More older people of SS age will break bones and die sooner thereby assuring the survival of the ‘lockbox’ program.

Hell, if enough younger people die of mercury poisoning we may be able to lower our retirement age. We have such a smart and caring government.

[Publius6961]

I am, however, quite concerned that there is now, and will be for a long time, exposure to young humans from household compact fluorescents, and that embriologic and epidemiologic examinations (based on neurological toxic issues among other things) won't have sufficient data to reveal toxicity for a decade or so.

See post #23.

[Paradox]

I use em, have for a very long time. Disposing of them does creep me out, so I save them in a sealed container when they do go out, and I plan to take those to the proper facility when it fills up. So far, I have about 3 bulbs over the past 5 years go out, and this is after 10 years of using them.

That said, I use incandescent lights in some parts of my home, like critical lighting, bathrooms, and places where the light will only be used intermittently.

[AlexW]

“In my high school science labs every student learning chemistry and physics handled metallic mercury”

As a kid, it was great fun to play with little balls of mercury, and coat coins with it.
God only knows what would happen if they caught kids doing that today.
Also, in those days, I knew kids that thought lead paint chips were pretty tasty ;)

[RobRoy]

When I found out these “mandated” bulbs contained mercury, I thought (and still do) think it would be fun to go downtown very early or late and bring the ones that have burned out with me (they burn out a LOT faster than claimed). Then I’d just “accidentally” drop and break them, one at a time, somewhere on the sidewalk.

What a cheap way to get your 15 minutes.

[longtermmemmory]

isn’t this how the hatters of the old days became mad.

they used mercury in the hat forming process and the poisoning drove the hatters mad.

[Cold Heart]

Technically correct for some coal plants. Coal has minute quantities of Hg. Clean coal technologies are removing the Hg and apparently mitigates the problem. Nadel can take his twisty bulb & go play with it till it breaks.

[jazusamo]

We tried some in a dining area fixture with four bulbs in glass flowers that are open on the bottom. The bulbs didn’t last as long as incandescents, must have been heat build up, don’t know what else it could be.

I believe both types bulbs have a place but it really ticks me off they’re in effect trying to outlaw the old ones.

[Attention Surplus Disorder]

I understand that coal has all kinds of nasty stuff in it, including Hg....if not virtually every element in the periodic chart!

Do you think that a coal plant producing 100 watts for the life of an incandescent bulb produces that much mercury? I suppose it’s possible for some types of coal. I also understand that 5.5 gms of Hg, being pretty heavy, does not occupy much volume.

[Amagi]

AGW ping?

[MamaDearest]

Two cats and one dog. They must be mutants.

This time of year, our cats wrap themselves up in an electric blanket and stay warm far from the computer. No amount of coaxing (except kitty treats) could get them to expose their hairless little bodies (Sphynx). Friends, relatives and neighbors have all told us the curly-qs seem not to be lasting long at all, contrary to what we've been spoon fed by the greenies.

[MsLady]

I don’t use fluorescents but, no I didn’t know what. Sounds like we need to get rid of both.

[JamesA]

Just follow the money and you’ll find G.E.

[jazusamo]

Just follow the money and you’ll find G.E.

You're absolutely correct.

excerpt:

"Rather than setting off a boom in the U.S. manufacture of replacement lights, the leading replacement lights are compact fluorescents, or CFLs, which are made almost entirely overseas, mostly in China."

Light bulb factory closes; End of era for U.S. means more jobs overseas

[driftdiver]

Ya lost me at “Quadrillions “

[driftdiver]

Go to Home Depot or Lowes and stop by the light bulb aisle. There is one name you’ll see on about half the light bulbs.

GE paid for the lobbyists which got the CFL law passed.