The TRUTH about Pig Tails...

 

 

 

 

"...we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful."

 

 

Margaret J. Wheatley

Now that I have attempted to shine the light of truth on wind turbines, and the folly of that technology, I thought it was now time to drag the truth out of the curly little florescent bulbs, better known as "pig tails".

So why are we changing over to these CFL (Compact Florescent Light bulbs) anyway? EngeryStar defines the reason as follows:

"Switching from traditional light bulbs (called incandescent) to CFLs is an effective, simple change everyone in

America can make right now. Making this change will help to use less electricity at home and prevent greenhouse gas emissions that lead to global climate change. Lighting accounts for close to 20 percent of the average home’s electric bill. ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs use up to 75 percent less energy (electricity) than incandescent light bulbs, last up to 10 times longer, cost little up front, and provide a quick return on investment."

Sounds innocent enough - so what could possibly be the problem? We all know the aesthetic difference between incandescent bulbs and the CFLs, but is that the biggest problem? No - they are toxic. I have read many articles where government agencies have tried to put "spin" on the mercury issue, but the bottom line is this - they are toxic, they contain mercury.

In 2011 the EPA published the following guidelines should you accidentally break a CFL in your house:

Before Cleanup

• Clear room of people and pets
• Open a window or door to ventilate the room for 5-10 minutes
• If on, shut off the central HVAC system
• Gather cleanup materials

During Cleanup

• Collect broken glass and visible powder
• Contain glass and powder (in a glass jar with lid or sealable plastic bag)

Hard Surface Cleanup

• Scoop glass/powder with paper or cardboard
• Use duct tape or something sticky to grab remaining glass/powder
• Wipe the surface clean with damp paper towel or moist wipes
• Place everything in jar or plastic bag
• Place outside in trash or protected area for proper disposal

After Cleanup

• Avoid leaving bulb fragments or cleanup materials indoors
• Place bulb materials and debris outside in trash or other protected area
• Wash hands with soap/water after disposal outside
• Naturally ventilate room for several hours
• Leave HVAC system off while ventilating room

Therefore, if you break a CFL, it will be like having your private household Chernobyl. EnergyStar does admits that CFLs contain mercury. They also recommend because they do contain mercury, they be properly disposed of. However (EneryStar continues), because the use of CFLs will reduce the amount of energy produced by coal fired power plants, the net addition of mercury to the environment will be less. Seriously? Do they really think we are that stupid? What if your power source is nuclear, natural gas or renewables? Then all additional mercury to the environment is a very bad thing.
My conclusion on CFLs is this - they are a solution looking for a problem. Incandescent bulbs may not be efficient, but they are not toxic. How about LEDs? Will they be better for the environment? Maybe not. LEDs are very expensive to purchase and are laden with lead, arsenic and a handful of other chemicals that have been linked to different cancers, neurological damage, kidney disease, hypertension, skin rashes and other serious illnesses. I am sure in the not too distant future we will come up with a safe, suitable, more energy efficient light bulb to replace the long standing incandescent. Until that time, I am very happy with affordability and soft glow of my incandescents as well as the ease and safety of their disposal.