Low-Energy Bulb Disposal A Health Risk
Controversy continues over further revelations over low energy bulbs.
The majority of consumers have never known that mercury is present in these bulbs, albeit at a low level. Special disposal is required, but despite this the government through its 'Warm Front' scheme has been giving such bulbs away to households using the scheme.
The Environment Agency has now called for more information to be made available on the health and environmental risks posed by low-energy light bulbs, especially on the packaging as no such information comes with the product at present.
However, a toxicologist has played down the risks, saying several bulbs would have to be smashed at once to pose a danger.
BBC News On-line has quoted an environmental scientist Dr David Spurgeon as saying:
"Because these light bulbs contain small amounts of mercury they could cause a problem if they are disposed of in a normal waste-bin. It is possible that the mercury they contain could be released either into the air or from land-fill when they are released into the wider environment. That's a concern, because mercury is a well known toxic substance."
Official advice from the Department of the Environment states:
* If a low-energy bulb is smashed, the room needs to be vacated for at least 15 minutes.
* A vacuum cleaner should not be used to clear up the debris, and care should be taken not to inhale the dust.
Instead, rubber gloves should be used, and the broken bulb put into a sealed plastic bag - which should be taken to the local council for disposal.
* Unbroken used bulbs can be taken back to the retailer if the owner is a member of the Distributor Takeback Scheme.
* Many local waste disposal sites now have the facilities to safely collect and dispose of old bulbs.
Source: BBC News on-line
