Mercury in Compact fluorescent lamps
CFLs function through some small amounts of mercury. However, the presence of mercury should not stop the switch to compact fluorescent lamps. The mercury contained in CFLs’ sealed glass tubes is about four milligrams. It is only harmful to the environment under two conditions: if the CFLs break thus exposing the mercury into the air or through improper disposal of the CFLs after their usage. Prevention of the occurrence of these conditions is possible thus making their use safer for the environment. Moreover, using CFLs actually does reduce the amount of mercury released into the atmosphere. Since these bulbs are energy savers, they reduce the electricity demand. In turn, production of electricity through the burning of coal in power plants reduces and as a result, the amount of mercury produced as coal burns reduces as well.
Comparison of LEDs to CFLs
Light-emitting diodes are preferred for the future compared to compact fluorescent lamps because they are more energy efficient since they use less than a third of the watts that CFLs use. Also, they are long-lasting and durable compared to CFLs, partly because they do not break. Their production does not involve mercury or any other toxins and therefore, are more environmentally friendly than CFLs. Additionally, LEDs are more environmentally friendly because they are recyclable, which reduces wastes in the surroundings. Also, they reduce the cost of air conditioning by remaining cool, unlike CFLs that build up the heat. However, the production of LED bulbs is expensive and therefore, their price is not pocket-friendly like CFL bulbs.
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