 | The New Fluorescent Lights
Posted: Sep 25, 2008
 When you think of fluorescent lighting, do you visualize flickering, hear humming, and shudder about possible mercury contamination? No need to worry. Modern-day fluorescents are much improved in all areas.
Flickering and humming
Older fluorescents contained magnetic mains frequency ballasts, which do not give out steady light. Some people even associate the flicker with headaches and eye strain. The newest fluorescents, including compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), contain electronic ballasts and operate at a much higher frequency so they do not produce a detectable flicker or humming effect. They also have a more improved color quality than older versions.
Mercury toxicity
It’s true that fluorescents contain small amounts of mercury—it’s a necessary component for them to function and the reason they are more energy-efficient. However, if fluorescent lamps are handled and disposed of properly, they are not likely to pose a threat. Remember to always screw and unscrew the lamp by its base and to never forcefully twist a fluorescent bulb into a socket. Be sure to check out ENERGY STAR’s disposal guidelines. You can also find a local recycling center at www.earth911.org or www.epa.gov/bulbrecycling.
According to ENERGY STAR, the amount of mercury in an average CFL is 5 milligrams—an amount that would only cover the tip of a ballpoint pen. To put this in perspective, an old thermometer contains 500 milligrams of mercury so it would take 100 CFLs to equal that amount.
In April, 2007, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) enforced new standards for CFLs so they contain an even smaller amount of mercury. Lamps less than 25 watts may contain no more than 5 milligrams per unit while those between 25 to 40 watts may contain no more than 6 milligrams per unit. The motivation behind the association’s decision was the concern that people may not adopt energy-saving CFLs in their homes because of the presence of dangerous mercury. Visit www.cfl-mercury.org for more information.
Need another reason why CFLs are an environmental and health-friendly choice? Fossil fuels used to generate electricity contain mercury as well. So, the less electricity you use, the less mercury may be released into the environment.
Dangerous UV rays
Have you heard that fluorescent lighting emits dangerous UV rays? No need for alarm. According to a 1998 study on fluorescent lighting and skin cancer by Driscoll and Pearson of the U.K’s National Radiological Protection Board, “It is concluded that at commonly used illumination levels the measured UVR [ultraviolet radiation] emissions from fluorescent lighting do not present an acute or a significant chronic hazard.” NEMA states that the amount of UV exposure from indoor fluorescent lighting is comparatively small. They estimate that the amount from an eight-hour workday is equivalent to just over a minute of midday outdoor exposure on a clear July day in Washington, D.C.
Buying CFLs
According to GreenCulture.com, you can choose color varying from warm to cool tones. Look for these keys to color when you are purchasing: “Cool White” is cheapest and may make items look somewhat dingy or washed out.
- “Daylight” tones have a bluer tinge than “cool whites.”
- “Warm White” is most similar to the glow of incandescents.
- “Full Spectrum” CFLs are brighter and most accurately present colors as they really are.
- Colored (black, yellow, red, pink) are used for special representations, such as Halloween, Christmas, etc. Yellow CFLs are good for outside since insects aren’t attracted to its glow.
To switch your light bulbs, use this chart from GreenCulture.com to determine what size to buy:
60 Watt Incandescent = 13-18 Watt CFL
75 Watt Incandescent = 18-22 Watt CFL
100 Watt Incandescent = 23-28 Watt CFL
150 Watt Incandescent = 30-38 Watt CFL
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