SC155 – Unit 7 SeminarSwitching Lightbulbs

Isn’t So Simple

Instructor M. WhiteEmail: MWhite2@kaplan.edu

AIM: MeganWhiteKaplanCell: 336.705.1357

Background

• Traditional incandescent light bulbs

• Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFLs)

What are the advantages of

CFL’s?

What are the disadvantages of

CFL’s?

CFL’s vs. Incandescent Bulbs

What does Energy Star say concerning Mercury in CFL’s?

What does Energy Star say concerning Mercury in CFL’s?

“CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing – an average of 4 milligrams. By comparison, older thermometers contain about 500 milligrams of mercury – an amount equal to the mercury in 125 CFLs. Mercury is an essential part of CFLs; it allows the bulb to be an efficient light source. No mercury is released when the bulbs are intact (not broken) or in use.”

EPA & DOE. (n.d.). Fact Sheet Mercury. Retrieved June 1, 2009, from http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/promotions/change_light/downloads/Fact_Sheet_Mercury.pdf

Are there special considerations for

the disposal of CFL’s?

Disposal of CFL’s

• Air out the room

• Clean up surfaces

• “Check with your local or state government about disposal requirements in your specific area. Some states do not allow such trash disposal. Instead, they require that broken and unbroken mercury-containing bulbs be taken to a local recycling center.”

EPA & DOE. (n.d.). Fact Sheet Mercury. Retrieved June 1, 2009, from http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/promotions/change_light/downloads/Fact_Sheet_Mercury.pdf

The Future

Do you use CFLs in your home? Why or why not?

The Future

Given what you have learned about CFLs, do you believe they will

overtake incandescent bulbs in popularity?