The Hazards of Energy Efficient Light Bulbs and Proper Disposal Methods

Energy saving light bulbs are old news when it comes to the cutting edge developments in the home energy efficiency. Many homes utilize these bulbs that are much more efficient compared to ordinary bulbs when it comes to power consumption as they save Chicago homeowners on electricity bills.

However, there are safety and health concerns conceding energy saving light bulbs. WesTrac has issued a bulletin listing the dangers associated with low-energy bulbs. These possible health hazards include:

• If a low-energy bulbs breaks, leave the room for at least 15 minutes because the bulbs contain mercury, which is poisonous and contributes to migraines, disorientation, imbalances and other health problems when inhaled.
• By just touching a broken bulb, ?people with allergies, skin condition and other diseases can be strongly effected.
• Refrain from cleaning broken bulb pieces with a vacuum cleaner as this will only spread the contamination to other rooms of your home when using the vacuum again.

The proper way to dispose of broken low-energy bulbs is to clean the pieces with a normal brush or broom, place the debris in a sealed bag and dispose of it right away in a hazardous material bin such as municipal ?recycling bin for batteries or a council dump where the debris can be disposed of safely. Be very careful not to inhale the dust form the broken bulb.

According to David Barry , founder Shorewood-based Smartwire, ?a safe alternatives to low-energy bulbs is using smart dimmers with dimmable L.E.D.

So the next time a low-energy bulb in your home breaks, do not do anything that could cause serious harm to your family and dispose of the poisonous debris properly to ensure your safety.

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