The tests simulated a “worst case“ situation in two energy saving lamps produced by European manufacturers, lamps with 2 milligrammes (mg) and 5 mg mercury, respectively. Neither lamp had a protective casing, and both were broken while hot and in operation. In both energy saving lamps, concentrations of mercury at one metre above the floor were measured after five minutes as well as after five hours at levels that could impact the health of pregnant women, small children and sensitised individuals should the broken pieces be left lying around. Tests done by other institutions indicate that proper disposal of broken compact fluorescent lamps (energy saving lamps) also can make significant reduce airborne mercury concentration.
Lamps with breakage protection offer best defense - but must be improved
Especially in children’s bedrooms, schools, sports facilities, or child day care centres, UBA recommends unbreakable energy saving lamps in a protective casing or other protective measures that prevent the lamp from breaking. Moreover, alternative lighting that makes do without mercury is available for most needs (LED, halogen). Break-proof types are already on the market. Should industry not voluntarily produce more break-proof energy saving lamps, UBA recommends that the European Union establish a corresponding legal requirement. Consumers currently must accept certain compromises on comfort in favour of greater safety, since the warm-up time to achieve maximum brightness is longer and the lamps are comparatively more expensive.
Furthermore, UBA strongly advises that warnings and disposal instructions be included in packaging for the event that a lamp should break. Industry must be obliged to include such information in packaging.
Used energy saving lamps must be disposed of near households and in breakage-proof containers
Besides the safe handling of compact fluorescent lamps (energy saving lamps), UBA also emphasises the importance of safe disposal of defective and spent energy saving lamps. Up to now, consumers have had the duty to return spent energy saving lamps to town and municipal collection points. Although take-back is free of charge, it is seldom feasible for consumers, says UBA President Flasbarth. “It can hardly be expected that citizens drive long distances to the nearest collection point for a single lamp. It would be more practical if used lamps could be returned directly to the shop.” UBA is calling on merchants to institute a systematic take-back system of their own accord. Should this not occur in short order, UBA recommends that the legislator establish by law the institution of a take-back system near to households.
EU should create incentives to produce mercury-free lamp technology
From an environmental medicine point of view, energy saving lamps should operate with the least amount of mercury possible. UBA believes that lamp technology should soon do without mercury altogether. Energy saving lamps may presently contain up to 5 mg mercury which-- although it is far below that of the conventional fluorescent bulbs (also known as striplights) that have been common at many workplaces for decades- is still too much.
The Federal Environment Agency will review results measured by the Fraunhofer Wilhelm-Klauditz Institute (WKI) and undertake further series of measurements that include other lamp types.
