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In the last installment of this discussion of CFL technology, I will address some of the concerns about bulb shape and hazardous material content. Shape There are certain things that are so commonplace in modern society and carry such a historical relevance that they become icons. The shape of a light bulb is a great example. Its relevance can be traced all the way back to the great achievements of modern science. When Thomas Edison said "We will make electricity so cheap that only the rich will burn candles", I am sure he could not have fathomed just how much electricity would be used to power the very invention he had created. Here we are over a century later and we are still using the same basic technology Mr. Edison created when horses and carts dominated the streets! The shape of a light bulb is such an icon that it actually came to represent the concept of an idea itself. Since some people hold on to this shape with a reverence while lighting their homes, CFL manufacturers have responded with bulbs that retain this coveted shape. You can now get CFL's in regular bulb shape, reflector cans, globes and many shapes in between. Despite all these new shapes, there are still people who won't switch for some aesthetic reason. I just have to say, don't you think its finally time to change our perspective? Mercury There are actually 2 problems that pertain to the mercury content of CFL's. The first is that many people do not know they need special handling. They have no clue these lights even have mercury. They are not aware that there is recycling available. I believe this will be less of an issue as the bulbs become mainstream and the issues are discussed. The second problem is there are people that are trying to stop the proliferation of CFL's because they say they are an environmental danger due to the mercury content. CFL's contain about 5 mg of mercury per bulb. What these people are failing to consider is that about 50% of the electricity in the US is produced from coal-fired power plants. A blog inPopular Mechanics discussed a study the magazine did on CFL's and subsequent responses from readers about the hazards of the bulbs mercury content. In following up with the DOE, it was shown that over the 7500-hour average life of a CFL, a coal fired plant will emit 13.16 mg of mercury to sustain a 75-watt incandescent bulb but only 3.51 mg of mercury to sustain a 20-watt CFL. Even if someone improperly disposed of a CFL and the mercury was directly released into the atmosphere, a traditional bulb would still emit 4.65 more milligrams of mercury over its lifetime. Manufacturers are starting to produce low mercury bulbs that contain only 2 mg of mercury. This trend along with the expanded options that will be available for recycling make the mercury issue a mute point. Consumers can contact their local municipal waste agency or see the EPa Site for a center near you. Final Thoughts This series of blogs has discussed the most common complaints about CFL technology. Most of these concerns stem from a lack of knowledge regarding the latest advances manufacturers have made. Sometimes resistance to change becomes very persistent when it involves abandoning a technology that can be considered an icon of innovation which has been used for generations. Considering all of the benefits of CFL's it is not a question of why you should make the switch but rather why you have not already. 
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