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 Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) were invented in the seventies. Later, when the inventors decided to fold the tube, they became even more popular. Long-lasting and economical, they provide higher energy than incandescent bulbs. So get ready, because the governments of several countries have decided to prohibit the sale of incandescent bulbs over the next few years (Australia: 2010, Canada: 2012 and United States: 2014).
An Environmental Choice that Pays…
Since January 1, 2007, over 150 million CFLs have been sold in the United States (www.18seconds.org), thus preventing the emission of some 30 million tonnes of CO2. Indeed, CFLs last ten times longer than incandescent bulbs. To see for yourself, jot down the installation date on your new bulbs; this is the best way to know how long they last. As well, more than 90% of the electricity consumed by incandescent bulbs is given off as heat, versus 25% for CFLs. Since lighting your home represents approximately 5% to 10% of your electricity bill, you could save up to $300/year (30 bulbs/house x $10/bulb). The CFL bulb is an increasingly interesting alternative, and, for a company, could provide major energy savings.
But wait…
The presence of electronic components, lead in the glass and a mercury-based gas (5 mg Hg) in the tube make these lamps a hazardous material. However, this quantity is five times less than that of a common watch battery, and, in comparison, there is approximately 500 mg of mercury in an ordinary thermometer. You would have to install100 CFLs to have the same amount of mercury in a house!
It will be absolutely necessary to put specific recycling processes in place for this type of lamp in order to curb its effects on the environment. In the United States, it is estimated that the throwing out of millions of fluorescent lamps each year would contaminate 81,000 km² of water with mercury, i.e., the area of Lake Superior shared between Canada and the USA.
As a precaution, when a CFL breaks, you must sweep it up—and not vacuum—any broken pieces and the phosphorus, put the pieces in a plastic bag and wipe the area with a moist paper towel to collect the glass shards and fine particles that have scattered (also put the paper towel in the plastic bag). Just like with paint, batteries, thermostats and other dangerous household waste, CFLs must be disposed of appropriately. They should never be thrown out in the garbage… find out what the proper procedure is in your region.
Residential use of CFLs is not without its dangers. Compact fluorescent lamps produce low electromagnetic fields, which could affect health and the environment. We still do not know very clearly the risks to health, but we suspect they influence our sleep-wake cycles and, in general, stress levels. Thus, these lamps should not be used on nightstands or in the office (the ideal would be to install low-power halogen lamps or LED lamps).
Other facts about installation:
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If you set up an outdoor light with a motion detector, its life may be reduced.
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The CFLs generally found in stores are not designed for variable power supply (dimmers or three or four light intensities).
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A fluorescent lamp is sometimes larger than an equivalent incandescent lamp.
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