Is the US Congress finally waking up to the hazards of CFLs?

A team of 15 or so members of the United States House of Congress has introduced and is working for support of an Act that would repeal the complete ban on incandescent light bulbs.

Once thought to be the answer because of their energy-saving ability, the dangers of the ‘green’, long-life light bulbs are becoming better documented.  They contain mercury, and the procedure advised by the Environment Protection Agency should one get broken only confirms the dangers of mercury – do not wash contaminated clothes because the mercury will pollute sewage.

Among other things, Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) are not designed to be turned on and off frequently, and doing so can shorten their life by 85%. People with certain health conditions can be harmed by CFLs: reactions can include eczema-like symptoms and light sensitivities. The mercury contained in the light bulbs can contaminate up to 6,000 gallons of water to beyond safe drinking levels.

But the motivation behind the Act is that the American people are fed up of being told what kind of light bulbs they are legally allowed to use.

Source: World News Daily

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First Published January 2011

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