Question from chris
It is my understanding that energy-saving fluorescent bulbs contain mercury, which concerns me. Are they safe to use? Or safer than regular bulbs? Do all bulbs contain mercury?
Debra’s Answer
LampRecycle.org says all fluorescent and most high intensity discharge lamps (these include mercury vapor, metal halide (also HQI), high-pressure sodium, low-pressure sodium and xenon short-arc lamps). We don’t use high intensity discharge lamps at home, as they are designed to provide high levels of light over large areas, especially when energy efficiency and/or light intensity is desired (such as gymnasiums, large public areas, warehouses, roadways, parking lots, etc).
So fluorescent lamps are the only lamps we need to be concerned about as homeowners, in terms of mercury.
Here’s a link to everything you need to know about choosing and disposing of fluorescent lamps: The Lowdown on Mercury in Fluorescent Lamps.
