‘Mercury found in CFLs no threat to human health’ |19 November 2013

The Seychelles Energy Commission (Sec) is reassuring members of the public that energy efficiency bulbs such as compact fluorescent lights (CFL) and what we know as tube lights are safe to use and poses no threat to humans, despite containing very minute amounts of mercury.

On the other hand LED (Light Emitting Diodes) lights, which are even more energy efficient, do not contain mercury.

The reassurance comes now that Sec is increasing its awareness campaign to sensitise members of the public on the need to conserve energy and to use energy efficient appliances.

Researchers and pollution experts, including the public health department in the UK, have published reports which show that even though CFLs do contain a very small amount of mercury, if broken the tiny amount of mercury, enough to cover the tip of a ball point, does not pose a health risk to anyone immediately exposed.

It is important to note that many consumer products which we use everyday have trace but permissible amounts of mercury such as laptop computers, LCD TVs and compact fluorescent light bulbs and are all safe to use as long as they're intact, but if they crack or shatter, microscopic amounts of mercury can be released.

According to its website, the US Environment Protection Agency (US EPA) encourages using CFL bulbs since they're more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent ones, using about 75 percent less electricity and lasting up to 10 times longer.

They and other fluorescent lights work by shooting electricity into a glass tube filled with mercury vapor, which soon glows with phosphorescent light.

The vapor, however, makes them potential health hazards if they break or when they eventually burn out.

Consumers are advised that rather than vacuum or sweep up broken fluorescent bulbs with a broom — that stirs up the mercury vapor, which can then be inhaled, it is advisable to air the room, pick and seal all the bits and pieces in a thick plastic bag, which can then be disposed.

In Seychelles, we do not yet have facilities for appropriate disposal of such items, however a mechanism for management of electronic wastes is being developed.

To note that the Minimata Convention on Mercury provides developing countries with support to put in place proper facilities for the management of such wastes.
 
An alternative to CFLs is LED light bulbs which are not only mercury free but are also more energy efficient than fluorescent lights. However, LED lights are still a little bit more expensive and not yet readily available on the local market.