Tag Archives: compact fluorescent bulbs
Best CFLs

Best CFLs

by on 27. Mar, 2009 in lighting

Some people have commented that they’ve had bad experiences with compact fluorescents. Others have written in to say they’ve had terrific luck with them. I’m not surprised. Like most consumer products, CFLs vary in quality…a lot. There are differences in the color of their light, brightness and the amount of time they actually last (as [...]

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How to Screw in a CFL Bulb Safely

by on 25. Mar, 2009 in lighting

Reposting a very useful comment from Paul Ronco from Fredericksburg VA: [T]he correct way to screw in, as well as remove, a CFL is by grasping it on the white plastic base with your fingertips and carefully twisting. This is why CFLs have extended white plastic bases that go beyond the actual metallic connector, whereas [...]

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Compact Fluorescents and Mercury

by on 24. Mar, 2009 in chemicals, health, lighting

This much is true — compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) contain mercury and mercury is toxic. Also true — the mercury is sealed in, so you won’t be exposed unless a bulb breaks AND you don’t follow a few simple clean-up steps (below). This, too, is true — many of America’s favorite food fish are contaminated [...]

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Recycling Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

by on 30. Dec, 2008 in chemicals, environment, health, lighting, recycling

One objection to compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) that people often raise is the problem of disposing of them safely due to the mercury they contain. Mercury is a toxin that is particularly dangerous to the developing brains of children (and babies in utero) and is suspected of posing a heart risk to adults. The amount [...]

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