California may ban conventional lightbulbs by 2012

[Jolie77]

California may ban conventional lightbulbs by 2012
By Bernie Woodall
Tue Jan 30, 9:05 PM ET

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A California lawmaker wants to make his state the first to ban incandescent lightbulbs as part of California's groundbreaking initiatives to reduce energy use and greenhouse gases blamed for global warming.

The "How Many Legislators Does it Take to Change a Lightbulb Act" would ban incandescent lightbulbs by 2012 in favor of energy-saving compact fluorescent lightbulbs.

"Incandescent lightbulbs were first developed almost 125 years ago, and since that time they have undergone no major modifications," California Assemblyman Lloyd Levine said on Tuesday.

"Meanwhile, they remain incredibly inefficient, converting only about 5 percent of the energy they receive into light."

Levine is expected to introduce the legislation this week, his office said.

If passed, it would be another pioneering environmental effort in California, the most populous U.S. state. It became the first state to mandate cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, targeting a 25 percent reduction in emissions by 2020.

Compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) use about 25 percent of the energy of conventional lightbulbs.

Many CFLs have a spiral shape, which was introduced in 1980. By 2005, about 100 million CFLs were sold in the United States, or about 5 percent of the 2-billion-lightbulb market, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

That number could more than double this year. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. alone wants to sell 100 million CFLs at its stores by the end of 2007, the world's biggest retailer said in November.

While it will not give opinion on the possible California law, the EPA recommends CFLs.

"They save money and energy," EPA spokeswoman Enesta Jones said. "They are more convenient than other alternatives and come in different sizes and shapes to fit almost any fixture."

Also, CFLs generate 70 percent less heat than incandescent lights, Jones said.

About a fifth of the average U.S. home's electricity costs pays for lighting, which means even if CFLs initially cost more than conventional lightbulbs, consumers will save, Jones said.

A 20-watt CFL gives as much light as a 75-watt conventional bulb, and lasts 13 times longer, according to the Rocky Mountain Institute, a nonprofit group studying energy issues.

Southern California Edison, an Edison International subsidiary and one of the state's biggest utilities, runs a program that cuts the cost of a CFL by $1 to $2.50. In the past year, SCE has helped consumers buy 6 million CFLs, it said.

California Energy Commission member Arthur Rosenfeld said an average home in California will save $40 to $50 per year if CFLs replace all incandescent bulbs.

While not commenting specifically on Levine's likely legislation, Rosenfeld, winner of the Enrico Fermi Presidential Award in 2006, said the switch from incandescent bulbs became feasible about five years ago when CFL performance improved.

"This is clearly an idea whose time has come," he said.

Levine, a Democrat from Van Nuys in Los Angeles, last year introduced a bill that will become law in July that requires most grocery stores to have plastic bag recycling.

California may ban conventional lightbulbs by 2012 - Yahoo! News

I have to think, How well it would be enforced if that bill is passed?

 

[Foxrac]

It's not easier to enforce because no one would check at all homes that use CFL or lightbulbs.

CFL OWNS lightbulbs (Incandescent) sooo badly.

 

[doh]

BAD BAD NEWS!!!

Lots of people are sensitive to fluorescent lights. I can see the flicker (and last time I was around them I could hear them).

 

[Reba]

BAD BAD NEWS!!!

Lots of people are sensitive to fluorescent lights. I can see the flicker (and last time I was around them I could hear them).

True. People with epilepsy or prone to migraines are sensitive to the flicker.

I have fluorescent lights is some of my rooms at home, and they are also slow to arrive at full brightness--they are not "instant on". That can be annoying.

There is also the problem of disposal. Old fluorescent bulbs have to be recycled carefully. You can't just throw them away in the trash because of the dangerous gases inside. The gases are also a problem if the bulb accidentally breaks in your house. Ugh!

 

[Banjo]

BAD BAD NEWS!!!

Lots of people are sensitive to fluorescent lights. I can see the flicker (and last time I was around them I could hear them).

What about LED bulbs? From what I know, they're much less power-consuming than the fluorescent lights and last longer too.

 

[Maria]

True. People with epilepsy or prone to migraines are sensitive to the flicker.

I have fluorescent lights is some of my rooms at home, and they are also slow to arrive at full brightness--they are not "instant on". That can be annoying.

There is also the problem of disposal. Old fluorescent bulbs have to be recycled carefully. You can't just throw them away in the trash because of the dangerous gases inside. The gases are also a problem if the bulb accidentally breaks in your house. Ugh!

What type of gases ?

 

[diehardbiker]

That is true, these LED lights uses less than conventional night light and they are as bright as standard 60 watts conventional light bulb, and they last almost forever! I have LED flashlight, I could leave it on for a week before replacing batteries, some cases as long as a month! Cant do that with conventional light bulb flashing light (if your lucky get 8 hours!).
All traffic lights in my county have completely converted to LED! It really saves alot energy, BUT what I hate is that it won't melt snow!!! That is a huge problem!

What about LED bulbs? From what I know, they're much less power-consuming than the fluorescent lights and last longer too.

 

[diehardbiker]

Mercury is one of them! There are Argon, other gases used in flourscent bulbs.

What type of gases ?

 

[Reba]

Here's a useful link:

GE Consumer & Industrial Lighting: Ask Us: FAQs - Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

 

[Reba]

From the GE site:

What do I do with a CFL when it burns out? What is the proper disposal of a CFL bulb?
Follow these guidelines to dispose your CFL properly:
• Like paint, batteries, thermostats, and other hazardous household items, CFLs should be disposed of properly. Do not throw CFLs away in your household garbage if better disposal options exist. To find out what to do first check Earth 911: recycling centers, water pollution and conservation, Earth Day (where you can find disposal options by using your zip code) or call 1-877-EARTH911 for local disposal options. Another option is to check directly with your local waste management agency for recycling options and disposal guidelines in your community. Additional information is available at Lamp Recycle. Finally, IKEA stores take back used CFLs, and other retailers are currently exploring take back programs.

• If your local waste management agency offers no other disposal options except your household garbage, place the CFL in a plastic bag and seal it before putting it in the trash. If your waste agency incinerates its garbage, you should search a wider geographic area for proper disposal options. Never send a CFL or other mercury containing product to an incinerator.

• ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs have a two-year warranty. If the bulb fails within the warranty period, return it to your retailer.

 

[Reba]

What should I do if a CFL breaks?

Because there is such a small amount of mercury in CFLs, your greatest risk if a bulb breaks is getting cut from glass shards. Research indicates that there is no immediate health risk to you or your family should a bulb break and it’s cleaned up properly. You can minimize any risks by following these proper clean-up and disposal guidelines:
• Sweep up—don't vacuum—all of the glass fragments and fine particles.

• Place broken pieces in a sealed plastic bag and wipe the area with a damp paper towel to pick up any stray shards of glass or fine particles. Put the used towel in the plastic bag as well.

• If weather permits, open windows to allow the room to ventilate.

 

[Reba]

What is the white powder I see inside my fluorescent bulb?

The white powder that you see inside a fluorescent lamp is called phosphor, which is a substance that emits white, visible light whenever it absorbs light waves. Both compact fluorescent bulbs and fluorescent tubes contain a gas that gives off invisible light when excited by electricity. This invisible light travels to the phosphor coating on the bulb, where it is transformed into light visible to the human eye.

 

[Reba]

So what can people with recessed lights do?


Can I use a compact fluorescent light bulb in an enclosed light fixture?

Compact fluorescent light bulbs may generally be used in enclosed fixtures as long as the enclosed fixture is not recessed. Totally enclosed recessed fixtures (for example, a ceiling can light with a cover over the bulb) create temperatures that are too high to allow the use of a compact fluorescent bulb.

 

[Reba]

Can compact fluorescent bulbs create interference with electronic equipment, such as radios?

Many electronic devices, such as radios, televisions, wireless telephones, and remote controls, use infrared light to transmit signals. Infrequently, these types of electronic devices accidentally interpret the infrared light coming from a compact fluorescent bulb as a signal, causing the electronic device to temporarily malfunction or stop working. (For example, your television might suddenly change channels.) Fortunately, this only happens when light is produced at the same wavelength as the electronic device signals, which is rare.

To reduce the chance of interference, avoid placing compact fluorescent bulbs near these kinds of electronic devices. If interference occurs, move the bulb away from the electronic device, or plug either the light fixture or the electronic device into a different outlet.

 

[Reba]

Specifically for Californians:

Lamp Recycle
All Fluorescent Lamps and Tubes Should Be Recycled or Disposed as Hazardous Waste

All fluorescent lamps and tubes are considered hazardous waste in California when they are discarded because they contain mercury. (Title 22, division 4.5, chapter 11, section 66261.50) This includes:

Fluorescent lamps and tubes:

* Fluorescent tubes, including low mercury tubes.
* Compact fluorescents, including low mercury lamps.

High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lamps:

* Metal halide lamps, such as floodlights for large indoor and outdoor areas and gymnasiums.
* Sodium lamps, such as those sometimes used as security lighting and outdoor floodlights.
* Mercury vapor lamps, such as those sometimes used for street lighting.

All fluorescent lamps and tubes must be recycled, or taken to a household hazardous waste disposal facility, a universal waste handler (e.g., storage facility or broker), or an authorized recycling facility. (Title 22, division 4.5, chapter 23, section 66273.8)

When mercury-containing lamps or tubes are placed in the trash and collected for disposal, the lamps or tubes are broken and mercury is released to the environment. Mercury vapors from broken lamps or tubes can be absorbed through the lungs into the bloodstream. People who are particularly close to the breakage are especially at risk. Mercury from broken lamps and tubes can also be washed by rain water into waterways.

According to a report entitled, Household Universal Waste Generation in California, August 2002, there were 15,555,556 fluorescent lamps sold in California in the year 2001. According to survey results published in the report, only 0.21% of these lamps were recycled.

Do Not Break Fluorescent Lamps or Tubes

Package Fluorescent lamps and tubes carefully when storing and transporting them. Do not tape tubes together. Store and transport fluorescent lamps and tubes in the original box or another protective container. Store them in an area away from rain so that if they break, the mercury from broken lamps or tubes will not be washed by rain water into waterways. (See How to Clean Up Broken Lamps or Tubes, below.)

Approximately 370 pounds of mercury were released in California in the year 2000 due to the breakage of electric lamps and tubes during storage and transportation1. It is estimated that nearly 75 million waste fluorescent lamps and tubes are generated annually in California. These lamps and tubes contain more than a half a ton of mercury. The mercury in urban storm water sediment results in part from improperly discarded fluorescent lamps and tubes.

How to Clean Up Broken Lamps and Tubes

Households or Small Amounts of Breakage

In a household or for small quantity breakages, do not use a standard vacuum cleaner! Do not use ordinary residential and commercial floor vacuums, floor vacuums that trap dirt with water, or wet/dry shop vacuums. (For vacuum cleaning, only vacuums designed specifically for hazardous waste may be used.)

Instead of vacuuming, wear latex gloves and carefully clean up the fragments. Wipe the area with a damp disposable paper towel to remove all glass fragments and associated mercury.

Keep all people and pets away from area so that mercury-containing pieces and powder are not tracked into other areas.

Keep the area well ventilated to disperse any vapor than may escape.

After clean up is complete, place all fragments along with cleaning materials into a sealable plastic bag. Wash your hands. Recycle along with intact lamps.

 

[Maria]

Mercury is one of them! There are Argon, other gases used in flourscent bulbs.

Thanks...

 

[Reba]

I've been searching the web for compact fluorescent bulbs.

The kind I need for my dining room chandelier would be "torpedo" shape (like "flames") and dimmable. I can't find any. Also, even the undimmable ones are solid white, not clear like the ones I have, and they cost $6-7 each. My chandelier uses 6 bulbs, so that would cost $36-42, and I wouldn't be able to dim them.

Also, I have some recessed enclosed ceiling lights, and you can't use fluorescent bulbs in them.

My outdoor lights are on timers and motion detectors. You can't use regular fluorescent bulbs in them. I might be able to find special ones.

I'm glad that I don't live in California.

 

[Reba]

This is interesting;these are last year's figures. Can you imagine what the numbers will be when all the bulbs are fluorescent?

PASADENA, Calif. (PRWEB) February 8, 2006 -- Effective today, the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) has issued a directive prohibiting the disposal of fluorescent lamps, tubes and bulbs. After February 8th, all fluorescent lamps and tubes in California must be taken to a household hazardous waste disposal facility, a universal waste handler or an authorized recycling facility.

..."Fluorescent light tubes are considered hazardous waste when discarded because they contain mercury. When these lamps or tubes are placed in the trash they break and release mercury vapor into the environment... Corporations and municipalities can be caught unprepared because they can no longer dispose of these products in trash sent to landfills.”

...Joe Patricko, trueCycle’s Health and Safety Manager adds, “Fluorescent lamps contain mercury, a powerful neurotoxin and bio accumulator. The landfill disposal of fluorescent fixtures, has lead to soil and ground water mercury contamination.”

...According to the California Integrated Waste and Management Board, nearly 75 million waste fluorescent lamps and tubes are generated annually in California. These lamps and tubes contain more than a half a ton of mercury. ...
trueCycle, Inc. Announces New Service, Accepting Fluorescent Lamps, Tubes and Bulbs to Assist in Compliance with California Integrated Waste Management Board Directive

 

[JLFWildKat]

I don't really think CA or any state could do that. But then again anything is possible with today's world. Although I can understand the reason's why. But going as far as banning them, I find just a little ridiculous..

 

[Reba]

I don't really think CA or any state could do that. But then again anything is possible with today's world. Although I can understand the reason's why. But going as far as banning them, I find just a little ridiculous..

Agreed. Besides, how can you really ban them? Won't that just create a black market for smuggling in bulbs?

Instead of banning the incandescents, I think it would be better to use ways to encourage using fluorescents, as much as possible. I switched to fluorescents for many of my lights but there are some light fixtures that I prefer to use incandescents. I use incandescents in lights that are recessed or that use dimmers or timers.

I think it would be better for states to offer financial incentives, like tax rebates, for using fluorescent bulbs. The compact fluorescents are more expensive than regular bulbs. If there was a price or tax incentive maybe more people would buy and use them.