CFL bulbs are dangerous. Events of the last week have given me something else to worry about. There are potential hazards when one burns out (or whatever they do). Read on for the details.
CFLs are, of course, compact fluorescent lights (I hesitate to call them bulbs because, well, they’re not shaped like bulbs). These lights have all sorts of nasty things inside, including a small amount of mercury. General Electric says this on their website:
“Is it true that CFLs contain mercury? Why and how much?
CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing – an average of 5 milligrams (roughly equivalent to the tip of a ball-point pen). Mercury is an essential, irreplaceable element in CFLs and is what allows the bulb to be an efficient light source. By comparison, older home thermometers contain 500 milligrams of mercury and many manual thermostats contain up to 3000 milligrams. It would take between 100 and 600 CFLs to equal those amounts.
There is currently no substitute for mercury in CFLs; however, manufacturers have taken significant steps to reduce mercury used in their fluorescent lighting products over the past decade.
Download the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fact sheet on Mercury in CFLs. (PDF, 17 KB)
Learn More”
The EPA argues that CFLs actually reduce mercury in the environment because they use less power. Less power means lower emissions from power plants, which means less mercury, right? Oh, wait, you don’t have a power plant in your backyard, but you do have CFLs in your house. Which mercury source is more important to you: power plants or the lights in your house? I know which answer I’d pick.
Back to our story. The other morning I flipped the light switch in our bathroom, preparing for my 10 minute morning routine. One of the CFLs began hissing and popping, accompanied by a nasty odor reminiscent of burning electrical insulation. I turned off the light, opened the window, and closed the bathroom door behind me. Later that day I ventured back in, opened the light fixture and found this:
See those black spots at the base of the glass? Right. The darn thing was nearly on fire. Our friends at GE have these reassuring words (from the same web page linked above):
“I have a CFL that has produced a very unpleasant odor and some smoke when it failed. Is this common? Hazardous? What should I do if this happens in the future?
The vast majority of CFLs do not produce either an odor or smoke when the CFL either fails or reaches its normal end of life. However, CFLs, like many electrical or electronic products, can sometimes fail in a way where one of the electrical components or plastic materials will briefly produce a very irritating odor and possibly some smoke. Any smoke or odor produced is in a low concentration, which will not result in a hazard. However, in the relatively small number of cases where this might occur, it can produce a very pungent smell that is certainly not pleasant.
If this situation occurs, the easiest way to eliminate any odor is to follow the same approach that one would use to eliminate any other unpleasant odor or smell. Briefly leave the immediate area if it is very irritating. Next, after waiting 10 or 15 minutes, air out the room by opening any doors or a window if there is one. This will quickly dissipate the remaining fumes or smell. If available, a normal portable household fan or ceiling fan will accelerate the process. Properly dispose of the lamp.”
I know I’m reassured. Oh, wait, no I’m not.
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How does a compact fluorescent light bulb work? What’s the difference between a compact fluorescent light bulb and a fluorescent bulb? What compact fluorescent light bulb do I buy to replace an incandescent (regular) bulb? Don’t worry about the math, though — we make it easy for you to figure out which compact fluorescent bulb to buy by displaying the equivalent regular watts you’re used to prominently on the package. Just look for the wattage you would normally buy in a regular bulb. In case you’re curious, here are the watts needed by regular incandescent bulbs and compact fluorescent bulbs to produce the same amount of light.
Because the wattage of a CFL bulb is much lower than that of an incandescent, you can use higher wattage CFL giving you the equivalent light of a higher wattage incandescent. For example: If your fixture says not to exceed 60 watts, you can use a 15 watt CFL to get the same amount of light as an incandescent bulb or use up to a 42 watt CFL and increase the amount of light. Related information: How does a compact fluorescent light bulb work? Can I use a compact fluorescent light bulb with a dimmer switch? Can I use a compact fluorescent light bulb on my 3-way lamp? >
Why does my compact fluorescent light bulb flicker or appear dim when I first turn it on? Related information: How does a compact fluorescent light bulb work? Can I use a CFL in applications where I will be turning the lights on/off frequently? Can I use a compact fluorescent light bulb in an enclosed light fixture? Can I use a CFL bulb outside? Related information: My outdoor light has a timer. Can I use a CFL bulb? Can I use a CFL in any position? Can I use a CFL in applications involving vibration such as a ceiling fan or garage door opener? Can compact fluorescent bulbs create interference with electronic equipment, such as radios? To reduce the chance of interference, avoid placing compact fluorescent bulbs near these kinds of electronic devices. If interference occurs, move the bulb away from the electronic device, or plug either the light fixture or the electronic device into a different outlet. Can I use a compact fluorescent light bulb with an electronic timer or photocell (AKA electric eye)? Does the EPA recommend the use of CFL bulbs? Download the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) faq sheet on CFLs. (PDF, 70 KB) Is it true that CFLs contain mercury? Why and how much? There is currently no substitute for mercury in CFLs; however, manufacturers have taken significant steps to reduce mercury used in their fluorescent lighting products over the past decade. Download the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fact sheet on Mercury in CFLs. (PDF, 17 KB) Should I be concerned about using CFLs in my home or should I take any special precautions? I have heard CFLs can overheat and smoke – should I be worried? Why does it happen? For more information please visit… I have a CFL that has produced a very unpleasant odor and some smoke when it failed. Is this common? Hazardous? What should I do if this happens in the future? If this situation occurs, the easiest way to eliminate any odor is to follow the same approach that one would use to eliminate any other unpleasant odor or smell. Briefly leave the immediate area if it is very irritating. Next, after waiting 10 or 15 minutes, air out the room by opening any doors or a window if there is one. This will quickly dissipate the remaining fumes or smell. If available, a normal portable household fan or ceiling fan will accelerate the process. Properly dispose of the lamp. |
dude. I agree with most of what you said. I am by no means a fan of the G.E. conglomerate but to be fair why are you ripping on them. The light that failed you as I can see from the photo is Lights of America mfg. They make crappy CFL’s in CHINA. They should not be able to call themselves Lights of America! Anyway I digress.
I stumbled on your page because I was looking for a CFL that is compatible with a photocell. It seems most to none are combatible with outdoor lights that turn on or off sunrise or dusk. “Oh well another thing to worry about!”
Good rant. I liked it!
I meant no disrespect to GE. Their website had the most accessible and complete information I could find, so I used it. In fact, until recently, I owned some GE stock.
I apologize for causing this misunderstanding. And thanks for the kind words.
Tony
I am noticing shadow marks on the ceiling above the bulbs … When the lights are OFF! And these bulbs do NOT LAST as long as claimed.