ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT

  • Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is part of the electromagnetic spectrum emitted by the sun. UV radiation also comes from unnatural sources, like lamps and tanning beds. Small amounts of UV are essential for the production of vitamin D in people, yet overexposure may result in negative health effects on the skin.
  • All fluorescent lamps emit some UV radiation and CFL bulbs typically emit very low levels of UV. These levels are not hazardous and are far less than the amount produced by natural daylight.
  • Fluorescent lighting has been used since 1938, and in 70 years of operation there have been no significant negative health problems reported from UV emissions related to fluorescent lighting.
  • Double-enveloped CFL bulbs are now available, which look like incandescent bulbs and offer additional shielding from UV rays. Studies have shown that double-envelope CFL bulbs emit essentially no UV light.
  • CFL bulbs use up to 75 per cent less energy than old-fashioned incandescent bulbs, significantly reducing harmful air pollution, smog, and their associated adverse health effects.
  • There is no scientific evidence that links CFLs to health issues. However, FortisBC continues to monitor studies by Health Canada on this topic.

 

MERCURY

  • Mercury is a naturally occurring element commonly found in products such as cosmetics, electrical switches, fluorescent bulbs and batteries. Mercury in products can be released to the environment through breakage or disposal at the end of a product's useful life.
  • The amount of mercury in a CFL’s glass tubing is minute; each CFL bulb contains approximately 2.5 mg of mercury, about the size of a period at the end of a sentence. In comparison, watch batteries contain about 25 mg and dental fillings contain 100 to 500 mg of mercury.
  • CFLs are not hazardous to operate: the mercury in the bulbs is not released when the bulbs are in use. CFL bulbs are made of glass tubing and can break if dropped or roughly handled. Always screw and unscrew the lamp by its base, and never forcefully twist the CFL into a light socket by its tubes.
  • Recycle your CFL bulbs. Residents and small businesses can bring spent CFLs and fluorescent tubes to the Battery Doctors or any Home Depot in your area. The mercury is safely removed and the bulbs are crushed and sent away for recycling.
  • If you do break a fluorescent light bulb, Natural Resources Canada recommends the following cleanup procedures:
    • Sweep or wipe up the glass fragments and white powder.
    • Wipe the area with a damp paper towel to pick up tiny pieces of glass or fine particles.
    • If the bulb breaks on a rug or carpet, use sticky tape (such as duct tape) to pick up small pieces and powder. Vacuuming should be avoided as it spreads mercury through the air. If vacuuming is necessary, remove the vacuum bag or empty and wipe the canister with paper towel after the area is cleaned.
    • Double bag the broken pieces, paper towel and vacuum bag and dispose of it in an outdoor trash can for regular garbage collection.