ferny
No longer a newbie, moving up!
I saw this on BBC Breakfast so thought I'd share it. I wasn't aware they were "dangerous".
- Low-energy bulb disposal warning
The public should be told more about the environmental risks of low-energy light bulbs so they are disposed of correctly, the Environment Agency says.
Low-energy bulbs contain small amounts of poisonous mercury and are classed as hazardous waste.
If one breaks, the room should be aired and the pieces removed in a sealed bag without using a vacuum cleaner.
The agency says householders need to be given more information about where to take the bulbs for safe recycling.
Low-energy bulbs are to replace tungsten bulbs by 2011 under government plans.
The conventional or "incandescent" bulbs are being phased out in a voluntary agreement with retailers.
The government wants to end the sale of conventional bulbs to cut carbon dioxide emissions.
But the Environment Agency says manufacturers' packaging fails to mention official health warnings on what to do if a bulb smashes in the home.
If a bulb smashes the room should be ventilated, and people are advised not to inhale the dust.
The lighting industry and the environment department say the risk of pollution posed by low-energy bulbs is negligible compared to that caused by power stations feeding the UK's demand for electricity.