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The new ECO light bulbs contain mercury - they cannot be safe...

Which are safer, the old or the new light bulbs? The NZ Government wants to ban the old ones, but it has just been reported that the new ECO bulbs contain mercury and should be handled carefully if broken - don't vacuum up the pieces - use cellotape or a damp cloth to collect the pieces and put them in a box and dispose of them at a recycling centre.

I have been down to the supermarket and bought more of the old bulbs and disposed of the new ECO bulbs. Safety comes before electricity savings!

There is now a battle between environmentalists such as Al Gore, who support the new ECO bulbs, and those who don't. There are now concerns over the potential mercury hazards that have split green activists on the switch to CFL's.

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huttriver12's picture

There is a public debate...

Submitted by huttriver12 on Tue, 2008-06-17 17:33.

starting here on talkback( radio is on at present)and in Letters to the Editor columns.Some of the light given by ECO bulbs are inferior.You are not supposed to turn them off once on - no good for toilets or bathrooms.They cant be used in fridges, stoves, as outside lights, or dimmers.
The fact you have to open windows and take particular care when picking up broken pieces has to question their safety. And Kiwis, just like Aussies, like choice and not being told that after 2010 ECO bulbs will be the only option. The fact they contain Mercury is a problem.

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Elly's picture

There is always a tradeoff

Submitted by Elly on Tue, 2008-06-17 16:13.

of sorts. Interesting isn't it? What are our governments thinking on this?

Elly

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huttriver12's picture

NZ and Aussie have a joint...

Submitted by huttriver12 on Tue, 2008-06-17 17:34.

approach through CER - nothing will be done officially before 2010. So it will be a campaign of persuasion and bullying in the interim.

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The Green Blog - World of Conservation and Ecology

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Mercury poisoning is a

Submitted by Toad on Tue, 2008-06-17 10:26.

Mercury poisoning is a serious health hazard...I'm with you Hutt I'll spend the extra money on electricity and stay away from these mercury filled light bulbs...
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