Are compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) better for the environment, even though they contain mercury?
When weighing the environmental impact, it is important to remember that burning coal to generate electricity releases mercury into the air. The energy saved by using a compact fluorescent bulb prevents more mercury pollution than the amount contained inside of it, and the mercury inside can be much more easily contained than air emissions. So, they are still a better choice than incandescent bulbs. Though more expensive and not yet on most store shelves, LED household bulbs have even greater efficiency, longer life spans and no mercury.
Related Questions
- Compact fluorescent lamps contain mercury, a hazardous material, incandescent bulbs do not. If more compact fluorescent lamps are used, does it not mean more mercury pollution in the EU?
- Are compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) better for the environment, even though they contain mercury?
- Do Compact Fluorescent Lamps contain mercury?
