I was asked to write about this subject by @dasilvaorg two weeks ago. Before it disappears in the pile of “to do things”, here is a post that focuses on what to do with energy-efficient lights—they sure are an environmental issue, since they contain mercury, a metal that is highly harmful to our health and to the environment.

The major concern regarding mercury pollution is the health effects of our exposure to mercury (methylate, methylmercury) found in water and aquatic food. Methylmercury targets mainly the central nervous system. This metal is also a well-known teratogenic agent. Yet, their genotoxic effects (action on DNA) are hard to interpret and contradictory.

Source: The biologic effects of mercury and their byproducts on human beings—a bibliographic review
Where are the burnt and/or broken fluorescent lights discarded in Brazil? In the regular waste, most of them—only 6% of the lights are recycled nowadays. And that’s the worst place for them.
The benefits

This “novelty” arrived in Brazil in 2001 due to a power shortage—and our need to save LOTS of electricity. For obvious reasons (they lower the energy bill), these energy-efficient lights made their way into our hearts and market. Their sales have grown 20% per year, for the last four years!!! Lighting accounts for 20% of a household’s energy consumption. Each 15W compact light—which provides as much lighting as a 60w incandescent light—saves R$2 per month on the electricity bill. On a medium class household, with an average of ten lights, the monthly savings can reach up to R$20.
Note: they are imported. In 2007 we imported approximately 80 million units, mostly from China—the leading producer of this product. According to a research conducted by Procel (National Energy Conservation Program), 96% of the interviewed are familiar with fluorescent lights; 14% of them use the compact version and 30% use the tubular version.
In 2008, INMETRO (National Institute of Metrology, Standardization, and Industrial Quality) put into effect a legislation that provides for fluorescent lights (compact or otherwise) and mandates the display of an Energy Conservation Label on the product, proving their compliance with the performance and the one-year warranty requirements. Most of the manufacturers, however, are able to guarantee the product for two years.
The light broke? Be careful! Hazardous material.

Be very careful when handling and using fluorescent lights because they release mercury when they break. Check out ABilumi’s recommendations:

* Do use a vacuum cleaner to clean the shards;
* Soon after breaking a light, ventilate the room—open doors and windows;
* Stay away from the room for at least 15 minutes;
* To clean the shards, wear gloves and an apron. Avoid contact between the material and your skin. Place everything into a plastic bag;
* Use some wet paper to collect any remaining shards (do not take off your gloves…);
* Place the wet paper inside that same plastic bag and tie it well;
* Place this material inside a second plastic bag. Seal the plastic bag to prevent the mercury fumes from escaping;
* After finishing cleaning, wash your hands with running water and soap.