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Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) Bulb Safety

Enersource is constantly keeping ahead of health and safety-related information regarding CFLs and their proper use and disposal.

Are CFLs safe?

There have been recent reports in the media that suggest exposure to CFLs may cause harm to human health.

Millions of consumers around the world choose compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) to save money, save energy and help fight global warming. Regular fluorescent and compact fluorescent lamps have been used safely in homes and businesses for decades.

Since their introduction in the 1980’s, no scientific study has shown that CFLs cause negative health affects in otherwise healthy people. However, individuals with light-sensitive medical conditions may react to light sources of any type, including incandescent, standard fluorescent or CFL bulbs.

A range of stringent measures has been put into place by the lighting industry to ensure that lighting products do not adversely affect the health of consumers.

If you want more information on CFLs and health concerns in general, please see the Natural Resources Canada page at http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/energystar/english/consumers/questions-answers.cfm#migraines

Health Canada is currently studying CFL bulbs to examine whether the bulbs emit any UV rays and, if so, how intense they are. Preliminary results will be available by late summer or early fall 2009.

We encourage consumers to consider product quality when buying CFLs for their homes and businesses. Consider purchasing products that are ENERGY STAR-rated and are covered by a limited warranty printed on each package.

What about mercury contained in the bulbs?

While CFLs contain less than 4 mg of mercury, here are some helpful tips if a CFL breaks or cracks in your home or business:

Open all windows to disperse of any vapours that may escape;
Carefully clean fragments without using your hands by wiping the entire area with a disposable paper towel;
Place all fragments and paper towel into a sealed plastic bag and dispose of the bag at the Battleford Community Recycling Center in the City of Mississauga.

For more CFL safety information, please visit the following helpful sites:

Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) Bulb Safety