The truth behind CFL bulbs...

like many of the hippies that make up this town i have been replacing my bulbs with CFL. compact fluorescent lights, or energy saver bulbs have been making waves as the easiest way to reduce or lessen your impact on the environment. the bulbs use anywhere from 4 to 6 times less energy than conventional bulbs. it seems to be a no brainer and the government, environmental groups and crusaders are all pushing these bulbs. these things aren't cheap either, despite that they have been flying off the shelves, giving the companies that make them a certified license to print money.

if it all seems to good to be true, then it could well be. This article on Green Muze outlines the many hazards, chemicals and processes which go into this product - and it isn't pretty. Much like the Toyota Prius, which when you add the environmental cost of the battery and the production process actually is worse for the environment than 4 conventional small vehicles, the CFL could be a bigger threat than the 100 yr old incandescent technology it's replacing. The British government has even issued health warnings about their use: "British governmental health organization, the Health Protection Agency (HPA), that  some CFLs emit ultraviolet radiation at levels that, under certain conditions of use, can result in exposures higher than guideline levels."

Come 2012 the canadian government is banning the sale of incandescent bulbs and the manufacturers of CFL bulbs will have a monopoly on the market. With chemicals like mercury a primary ingredient, it's hard to believe this is a good thing.