If mercury is so toxic, why dont we just replace mercury with a non-toxic material in manufacturing new fluorescent bulbs?
The presence of mercury is essential for fluorescent lamp operation. Electricity must pass through mercury gas in order to produce the ultraviolet energy that is converted into visible light by the phosphor coating. In fact, it is the mercury that gives fluorescent lamps their high-performance capabilities. Currently, there are no known replacements for mercury in the manufacturing process of fluorescent bulbs.
Related Questions
- Compact fluorescent lamps contain mercury, a hazardous material, conventional incandescent bulbs do not. If more compact fluorescent lamps are used, does it not mean more mercury pollution in the EU?
- 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?
- If mercury is so toxic, why dont we just replace mercury with a non-toxic material in manufacturing new fluorescent bulbs?
