Green Light Bulbs Hold Hidden Dangers

GREEN IS NOT NECESSARILY SAFE

Subcompact florescent light bulbs, are popular for their energy-saving qualities. However, it is important to remember that subcompact florescent light bulbs, and all florescent light bulbs, contain dangerous amounts of a toxic metal called mercury.

The mercury stays safely contained and intact in the light bulbs during normal use. When it has lived out its life, it needs to be disposed of properly. Many garbage services require special handling of spent subcompact florescent light bulbs and some stores offer drop-off services to the public.

If a subcompact florescent light bulb breaks, the mercury is released into the environment causing a toxic threat. There are certain precautions that need to be taken in removing the bulb and its contents from the home. Clean-up is something the homeowner can do safely.

THE SAFEST WAY TO CLEAN UP A BROKEN FLORESCENT LIGHT BLUB

BEFORE CLEAN UP

Have people and pets leave the room.
Air out the room for 5-10 minutes by opening a window or the door to the outdoor environment.
Shut off the central forced air heating/air-conditioning system, if you have one.
Collect materials needed to clean up broken bulb:
- Stiff paper or cardboard
- Sticky tape
- Damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes (for hard surfaces)
- A glass jar with a metal lid or sealable plastic bag.

DURING CLEAN UP

DO NOT VACUUM. Vacuuming is not recommended unless broken glass remains after all other cleanup steps have been taken.
Vacuuming could spread mercury-containing powder or mercury vapor.
Be thorough in collecting broken glass and visible powder.
Place cleanup materials in a sealable container.
Contact the local municipality or waste hauler for the correct way to dispose of the broken materials.

AFTER CLEAN UP

Promptly place all bulb debris and cleanup materials outdoors in a trash container or protected area until materials can be disposed of properly.
Avoid leaving any bulb fragments or cleanup materials indoors.
If practical, continue to air out the room where the bulb was broken and leave the heating/air conditioning system shut off for several hours.

ALERT CHILDREN & FAMILY MEMBERS

Clean up should be done by an adult. It is important to teach family members how to perform this clean up. Children should be taught to be cautious around subcompact florescent light bulbs and to tell an adult if one becomes broken.

A WORD ABOUT HALOGEN AND INCANDESCENT LIGHT BULBS

Incandescent and halogen light bulbs are not the same thing as a subcompact fluorescent, compact fluorescent, or tube-type fluorescent light bulbs. All fluorescent light bulbs have mercury inside and are often subject to state or local disposal regulations. Incandescent and halogen bulbs are not considered toxic and may be disposed of in the trash. Halogen light bulbs are actually a type of incandescent light bulbs, are filled with a halogen gas, and are more energy efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs.

SOURCE

The US Environmental Protection Agency

METABOLIC BALANCE

Just as it’s important to protect oneself from toxins in the environment, it’s also important to be aware of what’s in the foods we eat. Metabolic Balance® offers a scientific basis to determine which foods are best for each of us. Participants in the Metabolic Balance® program receive individualized meal plans that include the most wholesome foods that will work best with each person’s metabolism, detox and remove toxins from the body, and reach optimum health. It also helps reduce sensitivities to chemicals by eliminating inflammation. I offer weekly meetings for my clients for support and learning. Some of what I cover in the classes for my clients participating in my Metabolic Balance® program is to understand how chemicals in personal care products negatively affect the body and how to recognize healthy personal care products.

Metabolic Balance^® has individualized programs for weight management & optimal health. If you are interested in finding out more about metabolic balance^,® contact Myra. You can also visit MetabolicBalanceCalifornia.com. Sign up now for monthly news & tips.

This article was brought to you by Myra Nissen, CCH, RSHom(NA), Board Certified Classical Homeopath. Myra teaches women how to recognize their body’s unique needs and cues and uses Homeopathy to help empower women to take control of their bodies, health and well-being. Find out more, visit her blog www.myranissen.com/blog.