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1. Should I use compact fluorescent lamps?

Switching from traditional light bulbs to CFLs is an effective, easy change that many Anaheim homeowners are making right now to reduce energy use and help prevent greenhouse gas emissions that may contribute to global climate change. It's easy to understand why: lighting accounts for close to 20 percent of the average household electric use, so something as simple as changing a light bulb can make a big difference. Compact fluorescent lamps combine the energy efficiency of fluorescent lighting with the convenience and popularity of incandescent fixtures. CFLs can replace incandescent bulbs that are roughly 3–4 times their wattage, saving up to 75% of the initial lighting energy.

Learn more about why you might consider changing: Using Compact Fluorescent Lamp

2. Do compact fluorescent lamps contain mercury?

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) contain a very small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing – an average of 5 milligrams, which is roughly equivalent to an amount that would cover the tip of a ballpoint pen. No mercury is released when the bulbs are intact or in use and are properly recycled. By comparison, older thermometers contain about 500 milligrams of mercury. It would take 100 CFLs to equal that amount.

Mercury currently is an essential component of CFLs. It is the element that allows the bulb to be an efficient light source. Many manufacturers have taken significant steps in recent years to reduce mercury used in their fluorescent lighting products. In fact, the average amount of mercury in a CFL has dropped since 2008, thanks to technological advances and a commitment from members of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

3. What precautions should I take when using compact fluorescent lamps in my home?

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are made of glass and can break if dropped or roughly handled, just like a traditional filament light bulb. Be careful when removing the bulb from its packaging, installing it or replacing it. Always screw and unscrew the lamp by its base (not the glass), and never forcefully twist the CFL into a light socket. If a CFL does break in your home, you should follow the US Environmental Protection Agency clean-up recommendations. EPA - Cleaning Up a Broken CFL

4. What should I do with a compact fluorescent lamp when it burns out?

Like most electronic equipment, fluorescent bulbs and ballasts, including compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), should not be tossed out with the trash when they eventually burn out. All ENERGY STAR-qualified CFLs come with a warranty. If the bulb has failed within the warranty period, return it to your retailer.

Current regulations require that burned out CFLs should be disposed of at a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center. The center in Anaheim is located at 1071 North Blue Gum Street, which is on the southwest corner of the intersection with La Palma Avenue.

The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center is operated by the County of Orange. Find more information about the Hazardous Waste Collection Center in Anaheim, including days of operation, operating hours, directions and a map at this page. Hazardous Waste Collection Center Information

5. How should I clean up a broken fluorescent lamp?

For a detailed, step-by-step process recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency, please visit this page: Compact Fluorescent Lamp Cleanup

6. What is mercury?

Mercury is an element (Hg on the periodic table) that is found naturally in the environment. Mercury emissions in the air can come from both natural and man-made sources. This silver-colored liquid metal can be found in rocks, soil and the ocean. Mercury can be released into the environment through natural processes when volcanoes erupt, rocks erode and soil decomposes.

As a liquid metal at room temperature, mercury has been widely used throughout industry. Man-made sources of mercury include abandoned mines, energy production, sewage, industrial processes, mining, smelting, scrap metal processing and incineration or land disposal of mercury products or waste.

7. Do compact fluorescent lamps produce a hazardous amount of ultraviolet light?

Fluorescent light bulbs used in homes and offices, including compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) that have earned the ENERGY STAR designation,do not produce a hazardous amount of ultraviolet (UV) light. Most light sources, including fluorescent and incandescent bulbs, emit a small amount of UV light, but the UV light produced by fluorescent light bulbs is far less than the amount produced by natural daylight.

Lamps close to the skin (less than 8 inches) could cause problems for people who are extremely light-sensitive. Extremely light-sensitive individuals include people with certain skin diseases and people with lupus. The Lupus Foundation of America suggests covering CFLs with shades or UV filters for individuals with lupus. Lupus Foundation of America

8. How can I find more information?

The US Environmental Protection Agency is continually reviewing its cleanup and disposal recommendations for compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) to assure that they present the most up-to-date information for consumers and businesses. The US Department of Energy also has more information about CFLs. Visit this page to access those resources: More Information About CFLs