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1. Why should people use CFLs?

Switching from traditional light bulbs to CFLs is an effective, accessible change every American can make right now to reduce energy use at home and prevent greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change. Lighting accounts for close to 20 percent of the average home’s electric bill. ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs use up to 75 percent less energy than incandescent light bulbs, last up to 10 times longer, cost little up front and provide a quick return on investment.

If every home in America replaced just one incandescent light bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL, in one year it would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of more than 800,000 cars.

2. Do CFLs contain mercury?

CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing - an average of 5 milligrams - about the amount that would cover the tip of a ballpoint pen. By comparison, older thermometers contain about 500 milligrams of mercury.

Mercury currently is an essential component of CFLs and is what allows the bulb to be an efficient light source. No mercury is released when the bulbs are intact or in use. Many manufacturers have taken significant steps to reduce mercury used in their fluorescent lighting products.

3. What are mercury dangers?

How - and in what form - mercury inflicts damage is still unclear. Some studies show that children who were exposed to tiny amounts of mercury in-utero have slower reflexes, language deficits, and shortened attention spans. Mercury is a neurotoxin, which can damage the nervous system in adults, children, infants, and unborn babies. Other groups claim mercury exposure is responsible for Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, and the escalating rate of autism. Scientists and policymakers agree that more regulation is imperative.

4. What precautions should I take when using CFLs in my home?

CFLs are made of glass and can break if dropped or roughly handled. Be careful when removing the bulb from its packaging, installing it or replacing it. Always screw and unscrew the lamp by its base (not the glass), and never forcefully twist the CFL into a light socket. If a CFL breaks in your home, follow the clean-up recommendations below. Used CFLs should be disposed of properly.

5. What should I do with a CFL when it burns out?

EPA recommends consumers take advantage of available local recycling options for compact fluorescent light bulbs. (Home Deport, Jackson EMC and Keep Jackson County Beautiful). EPA is working with CFL manufacturers and major US retailers to expand recycling and disposal options. Consumers can contact their local municipal solid waste agency directly or go to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the Earth911 website to identify local recycling options. If you cannot find a convenient location to recycling your used CFL, or it has broken, seal the bulb in two plastic bags and put it into the outside trash or other protected outside location for the next normal trash collection. CFLs should not be disposed of in an incinerator.

ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs have a warranty. If the bulb has failed within the warranty period, return it to your retailer.

6. What is mercury?

Mercury is an element (Hg on the periodic table) found naturally in the environment. Mercury emissions in the air can come from both natural and man-made sources. Coal-fired power plants are the largest man-made source because mercury that naturally exists in coal is released into the air when coal is burned to make electricity. Coal-fired power generation accounts for roughly 40% of the mercury emissions in the U.S.