A couple of years ago, several companies introduced a compact fluorescent bulb and I bought several of them to replace burnt out light bulbs. And of course since doing my mercury research found out that fluorescent bulbs have mercury in them...but it never occurred to me to think about the little ones in my bedroom, and kitchen until one burnt out today and on the neck of the bulb is painted Hg...DUUH!!!!!

I went on to their website and they are to be disposed of as hazardous waste....I bet most people put them in everyday garbage.

And the bulbs are supposed to last upwards of 5 years, well it hasn't been even 2 years since I put them in...so much for saving money. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> But thank goodness I am clued in, cause I won't be buying them any more....or fluorescent tubes either. I think that is why I don't feel good in indoor malls unless they have skylights.

Sandi

Sandi, have you found in your research if the bulbs emit hg during use?

Yes Missy, I have read it on several different sites...the exposure amounts may be very small, but they are all accumulating in our bodies. Mercury is also in thermostats, electronic equipment, flashing lights on some kids' toys, some LED displays, cosmetics, personal care products...the list is endless.

And the old cliche..."what you don't know won't hurt you." is not applicable in this case.

Sandi
xoxo

Sandi,

Yeah, it's crazy how this works: schools and places of business are required to dispose of the bulbs as hazardus waste and are informed that mercury is in them....but everyday people and households are not given this information, nor told to dispose of them properly. It's ridiculous. They now make ones with less mercury in them, but still good to stay away from them altogether.

~Tia