ENERGY NOTICE

         Have had another bulb of the spiral  fluorescent compact type go bad, in a similar manner as the one mentioned in the prior article. Again the odor was bad and the bulb became very hot. The difference with this bulb was that it only lasted a little over a month. Please note that these bulbs were not within an enclosure and should have had plenty of free air moving around and through them, so heat should not have been a problem.

         This latest batch of bulbs was purchased on sale at one of the largest chain stores on Earth and the brand was one of the best recognized lighting companies on the market. The bulb itself was manufactured in China.It was a 26 watt bulb with about 1600 lumens, roughly what you would expect from a regular   100 watt bulb. But was guaranteed to last 5 years not just 1 month. This is the worst behavior I have ever seen with these type bulbs. When they first came out years ago, they seemed to last a very long time, but am starting to fear that  there is a quality control issue now in manufacture.

        At any rate this failure led me to read ALL the fine print on the inside of the package and began finding more and more things not to like about these bulbs. First note was that these bulbs have an Hg rating indicating they contain potential hazardous levels of mercury, and are indeed listed as Hazardous Materials and must be disposed of according to Federal law. Explains the odor and ill effects I felt. There is a website that is supposed to supply information about disposing of these types of materials at;

http://www.lamprecycle.org         (1-800-435-4448)

       The site leaves much to be desired. Also note the sole responsibility of the manufacturer is bulb replacement and incidental and consequential damages are excluded. These bulbs may cause interference to radios, TVs, wireless telephones, remote controls, computers, maritime safety equipment, or critical navigation devices. I happen to know that it is a federal offense to interfere with maritime safety equipment. Also these bulbs will not work below 5 degrees F, and must not be used with emergency exit lighting or electronic timers, photocells or dimmers.

        How many people knew these light bulbs were toxic waste, and breaking one is even considered a "toxic waste event" ! Mercury vapors can cause extreme brain damage, and are especially dangerous to developing children.Although the most dangerous mercury vapors would be experienced while the bulb is still hot, as they would be dispersed more efficiently. Oddly enough would make an excellent terrorist weapon.

       Due to repeated failures now of these bulbs in similar instances, I do not recommend these bulbs for any purpose. I believe them to be fire hazards and health hazards, as well as highly dangerous to the environment.I would welcome anyone else with similar experiences to please come forward with your information. This could be a very important issue.

      As for energy saving lighting devices I recommend only Light Emitting Diodes. LED's  save far more energy than the older spiral designs and are not such hazardous devices.

MYSTERY 

LED Lights;
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9399209
http://www.livescience.com/technology/051021_nano_light.html
http://www.theledlight.com/
http://www.ccrane.com/lights/led-light-bulbs/index.aspx
http://www.thinkgeek.com/clearance/7aa8/