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Going green does not always mean that a product is something that is healthy for people or our planet. Compact fluorescent light bulbs are a good example of a green product that is not healthy for people, or the Earth. There has been a lot of controversy over the mercury contained in CFL bulbs. Another grave danger associated with this type of light bulb is the electromagnetic field that is given off. Mercury and electromagnetic fields are hazardous to the health of humans and animals.

Research has pointed out that mercury is highly toxic to humans. Most systems in the body are affected by mercury poisoning. The central nervous system is always affected causing symptoms ranging from lose of memory to tremors. The cliché “mad as a hatter” refers to hat makers of the 18^th and 19^th centuries exhibiting bizarre psychological behaviors caused by the mercury compounds they used to make felt hats.

CFLs contain 5 milligrams of mercury. The question is, will people properly recycle these light bulbs or just throw them in the trash? The majority of Americans still do not recycle. If these bulbs are thrown in the trash, they will break either on their way to the dump, or in the dump. The mercury vapor will be released into the air and mercury will make its way into the water supply. This further pollution of our air and water leads to more health issues in the population.

The argument for CFLs is that coal powered plants release more mercury in the air than CFLs can produce. This is true, if the bulbs are recycled properly. The government does not take into account that the majority of CFLs will not be recycled, but instead end up broken in landfills across the country.

Mercury remediation may be need if a light bulb breaks in a home or business. There was an account of a woman that had a CFL break in her toddler’s bedroom. In the end, she ended up paying around $2000 for a remediation company to come in and clean the room; this included the carpet, walls, bedding, furniture, and toys. That is a huge expense for one light bulb, but a wise expenditure to protect her child’s health.

The U.S. government details what needs to be done in the event of a CFL breaking. The first thing to do before cleaning up is to air out the room for 15 minutes or more because of the poisonous mercury vapor released from the light bulb. Then they give details of how to clean up the glass and powder from the broken light bulb. All fabrics, like clothing or bedding, that come in contact with the broken light bulb must be thrown away. All materials used for clean up must be sealed in a plastic bag or a glass jar with a metal lid. Then the local or state government needs to be contacted for how to properly dispose of the contaminated trash. After the clean up, vacuuming the affect area is another problem, the central air must be turned off, and a window opened before vacuuming. When the vacuuming is completed, the window must be left open for at least 15 more minutes, then central air can be turned on again. This is to avoid sending any left over mercury, now in the air from the vacuuming, from being breathed in, and sent through out the house, or building, and contaminating a larger area. The website to visit if clean up is needed is http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/promotions/change_light/downloads/Fact_Sheet_Mercury.pdf.

The other health hazard of CFLs is the electromagnet frequency they give off. Electromagnet frequencies (EMFs) are being linked to a number of unexplainable health symptoms. The World Health Organization released a statement in December of 2005 about a condition called Electrical Hypersensitivity (EHS) that says, “EHS is a growing worldwide health concern and is characterized by a variety of non-specific symptoms including neurasthenic and vegetative symptoms (fatigue, concentration difficulties, dizziness, nausea, heart palpitation and digestive disturbances)”.  EHS is a new medical term that refers to an adverse bodily reaction of an individual to electric or magnetic fields.  In developed countries, 3 to 8% of the population has severe electrical hypersensitivity(EHS) symptoms, and 35% have mild symptoms. Germany is leading the way for a healthy environment. They are decreasing EMFs by banning fluorescent lights in hospitals and having restrictions on their use in public places.

Dr. Thomas Rau, the medical director of the Paracelsus Clinic in Switzerland, stated in February of 2009 that he believes that “electromagnetic loads” can contribute to ADD, concentration problems, migraines, insomnia, and even back pain and Parkinson’s disease. Others have reported that symptoms may even be like Multiple Sclerosis or ALS symptoms with the headaches, brain fog, dizziness, and tingling or numbness in the extremities. 

Back in the 1980’s, scientists recommended that children should not be exposed to artificial light all day. The cool-white fluorescent lights of the school and other institutions cause an increase in the production of ACTH and cortisol, which are stress hormones. The release of these hormones causes mental and physical agitation. Dr. John Ott, inventor of the full spectrum light, found that exposure to cool-white and pink-colored fluorescent light effected learning and behavior, caused hyperactivity, and children were sick more often.

CFLs also emit UV-B rays, which are known to cause cancer, and they emit microwaves, which are a biohazard. The U.S. Navy did a study and found that people that worked inside all day had a higher rate of malignant melanomas than people who worked outside all day. Another study done by Lancet, the British Medical Journal, found that fluorescent light exposure caused malignant melanomas at two times the rate of sunlight exposure.

A company in Britain called EMF UK states “that if compact fluorescent lights must by used, they should be avoided as reading, desk or bedside lamps. The lamps should be kept at least one, and preferably two, metres away form the individual” (1.1 to 2.2 yards). The company’s website has a vast amount of information about CFLs and EMFs. Their web address is http://www.emfuk.co.uk/.

In 2007, President Bush signed into law a ban on incandescent light bulbs starting in 2012, which bans the 100-watt light bulb, and then in 2014 the 40-watt light bulb will be banned. In 2010, Australia will ban all incandescent light bulbs.

There are alternatives out there for healthier lighting. LEDs are improving and will eventually come down in price. Full-spectrum light bulbs are available that have flicker-free electronic ballasts that stop the CFLs from generating EMFs, but they still contain mercury.

Living green is a great idea, but before buying any green product check it out to make sure it is a healthy choice for you and your family. Just because the government backs an idea, or a product is advertised as being green and good for the planet, does not mean it is healthy for humans. Protect your health and you will protect the planet too.