are cfl bulbs safe to use?
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A: These energy-efficient bulbs are safe when used as directed. All types of fluorescent bulbs contain mercury vapor, which emits ultraviolet (UV) rays when exposed to an electric current. ... Even when CFLs release UV, this will cause little or no damage if the bulbs are farther than a foot or two away from your skin.
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Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) contain small amounts of mercury. A small percentage of this mercury can be released into the air if the bulbs are broken. Careful clean-up of broken bulbs can minimize the risk of mercury exposure.
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Response: There has recently been some concern over the possibility that broken CFLs can be an important source of exposures to mercury, a toxic metal and a key component of compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs). ... Once inhaled, the mercury vapor can damage the central nervous system, kidneys, and liver.
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CFL types. Most of the CFLs sold are not full spectrum. Mostly they are in two color types: warm and daylight colors. And instead of indicating the color of bulbs when lighted, people use Kelvin to measure the light color (or also light temperature).
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LED bulbs last 25,000 hours or about 3 years. CFL are comparable to LED bulbs with lifespan, low-energy use, and tend to be more affordable. To see more benefits of using LED lighting, click here. To make your bulb last longer, we recommend using a dimmer on incandescent and compatible LED bulbs.
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Since CFLs are designed to provide general illumination, the majority of the light emitted by CFLs is localized to the visible region of the spectrum (approximately 400-700 nm in wavelength). In addition, typical CFLs emit a small amount of UVB (280-315 nm), UVA (315-400 nm) and infrared (> 700 nm) radiation.
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Now CFLs, or compact fluorescent lamps, are slowly disappearing from stores. Home retailer IKEA stopped selling them in all its locations last year, and now manufacturer GE has penned a cheeky Dear John letter to the technology, saying it will stop making the bulbs in the United States.
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Compact fluorescent lamps (CFL), commonly known as energy-saving lamps are identified by their fluorescent tube bent onto itself or even wrapped. These bulbs use less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, they contain mercury, a substance that can be harmful to humans and to the environment.
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First, CFLs are not typically rated for outdoor use. Major manufacturers provide guidelines when using their CFLs for this application. For example, GE Lighting recommends to check to make sure the CFL is labeled for outdoor use. Westinghouse says it's OK to use CFLs outdoors if they are in an enclosed fixture.
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Although initially more expensive, you save money in the long run because CFLs use 1/3 the electricity and last up to 10 times as long as incandescents. A single 18 watt CFL used in place of a 75 watt incandescent will save about 570 kWh over its lifetime. At 8 cents per kWh, that equates to a $45 savings.
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Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) use dramatically less energy than incandescent bulbs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But they also contain mercury – a dangerous toxin. ... If a CFL breaks, some of the mercury that's contained in the bulb will evaporate into the air.
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You should be ok if they are tungsten filament or led types. The banned ones apear to be the compact fluorescent ones that contain a small amount of mercury.
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CFLs produce light differently than incandescent bulbs. ... In a CFL, an electric current is driven through a tube containing argon and a small amount of mercury vapor. This generates invisible ultraviolet light that excites a fluorescent coating (called phosphor) on the inside of the tube, which then emits visible light.
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Longevity—With an average lifespan of approximately 10,000 to 15,000 hours, a CFL bulb lasts about ten times longer than an incandescent bulb—which means they need to be replaced less often, making them convenient for those hard-to-reach light fixtures and lamps.
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Therefore, it's really important to change blown bulbs quickly, and with the power off. And because they can get very hot, they are a fire hazard when placed in close proximity to combustible materials, such as trees. ... They're safe to have around Christmas trees, fabrics and children.
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CFLs are up to four times more efficient than incandescent bulbs. You can replace a 100-watt incandescent bulb with a 22-watt CFL and get the same amount of light. CFLs use 50- to 80-percent less energy than incandescent lights. ... Just one bulb can reduce a half-ton of CO2 from the atmosphere over the life of the bulb.
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All fluorescent lamps emit some UV. Typical fluorescent lamps, including CFLs, which consumers would encounter, emit very low levels of UV. In order to measure any UV radiation from these lamps, very sensitive measuring equipment must be used.