Dear Source:
Before everyone rushes headlong onto the CFL bandwagon, they would be smart to look at the not-so-good side of those bulbs.
The EPA may not consider CFLs to legally be a hazardous waste, but their guidelines suggest otherwise. CFL's have mercury in them. They need to be handled and disposed with the precautions and respect we supposedly also give TV and computer monitors, batteries, painting chemicals, motor oil and other defined hazardous wastes.
Can our island landfills and roadsides handle yet another controversial pollutant?
Most telling, look at these EPA recommended actions for home use; imagine the consequences in a business environment, public area or store:
Safe cleanup precautions: If a CFL breaks in your home, open nearby windows to disperse any vapor that may escape, carefully sweep up the fragments (do NOT use your hands) and wipe the area with a disposable paper towel to remove all glass fragments. Do not use a vacuum. Place all fragments in a sealed plastic bag and follow disposal instructions above.
Wolf Leonard
St Thomas/Jacksonville, Fla.
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