What is Mercury?
Mercury is an element found naturally in the environment. Human activities, such as burning coal for electricity and using mercury in manufacturing, increase the amount of mercury cycling through the air, water, and soil. According to the EPA, the main sources of mercury pollution are coal-burning power plants, about 40% of total emissions worldwide. American power plants pump 96,000 pounds of mercury into the air annually.
Where can mercury be found at home?
Mercury is used in products because of its excellent conductivity and high surface tension so it can be found almost anywhere!
Why is Mercury in Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFLs)?
Mercury is an essential part of a CFL, allowing it to be an efficient light source. There are electrodes at both ends of the fluorescent tube, and a gas containing argon and mercury vapor is inside the tube. A stream of electrons flows between the electrodes at both ends of the tube. The electrons interact with mercury vapor atoms floating inside the tube. The mercury atoms become excited, and when they return to an unexcited state, they release photons of light in the ultraviolet region of the spectrum. These ultraviolet photons collide with the phosphor coating the inside of the tube, and the phosphor glows, creating white light.
How much Mercury is in a CFL?
CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury (an average of 4 to 5 milligrams of mercury) sealed in the glass tubing, which is about enough to cover the tip of a ballpoint pen.
Is there a difference in Mercury content between ENERGY STAR® and non-ENERGY STAR CFLs?
All ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs have less than 5 milligrams of mercury (some manufacturers are able to produce CFLs that have only 1 milligram of mercury). Avoid purchasing non-ENERGY STAR CFLs, as they can have up to 15 milligrams of mercury in them – three times as much as the maximum amount allowed in an ENERGY STAR CFL.
How can I tell how much Mercury is in a CFL before I purchase one?
As of September 2008, all ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs are required to list their mercury content on the packaging. Avoid purchasing non-ENERGY STAR CFLs because this information is not required on their packaging.
What is Amalgam and what is it doing in my CFL?
Amalgam is solid mercury that is being used more commonly in CFLs.
Does Mercury escape into the atmosphere when using a CFL?
No mercury is released when CFLs remain intact (not broken) or while they are in use. The only time mercury from a CFL is emitted into the environment is when a CFL breaks. In fact, CFLs are typically manufactured using recycled materials. If CFLs are recycled properly the mercury can continue to remain in safe hands and be repurposed for safe and useful purposes.
Does a regular incandescent light bulb really create more Mercury emissions than a CFL?
Yes, in fact, a recent study by the Environmental Protection Agency shows that more Mercury emissions are emitted into the atmosphere when powering an incandescent bulb, because the bulb requires more electricity to operate.. The highest source of mercury in our air comes from burning fossil fuels such as coal, the most common fuel used in the U.S. to produce electricity. A CFL uses 75% less energy than an incandescent light bulb and lasts at least 6 times longer.
A power plant emits 10mg of mercury to produce the electricity to run an incandescent bulb and only emits 2.4mg of mercury to run a CFL for the same time. When disposed of properly, CFLs present an opportunity to prevent mercury from entering our air, where it most affects our health.
Can I throw my burned out CFL in the garbage?
New York State households can currently dispose of CFLs as normal household waste. Businesses must follow a different set of regulations regarding the disposal of CFLs. However, NYSERDA and the EPA are encouraging New Yorkers to use and recycle them safely. Careful recycling of CFLs prevents the release of mercury into the environment and allows for the reuse of glass, metals and other materials that make up CFLs. NYSERDA recommends that consumers take advantage of available local recycling options for CFLs, and is working with CFL manufacturers and major U.S. retailers to expand recycling and disposal options.
To be continued
