Mercury takes the shine off CFLs

Lower watt lamps use more mercury for extra glow, says study

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are known for saving power. What is less known is that they have high mercury content, which damages the environment and human health. According to non-profit Toxics Link, 22 sample bulbs taken from the four leading manufacturing brands of CFLs in India showed mercury presence up to 21.2 milligram per unit on an average. A 2008 CPCB survey says the average mercury used in CFLs is much lesser at 7.5 mg.

Highs and lows

	Toxics Link Study samples show that maximum mercury content in a bulb may be as high as 62.56 mg; the minimum was found to be 2.27 mg In the US, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) have voluntarily capped the mercury content to 4mg/CFL unit of up to 25 watts and 5 mg for units above 25 watts In Europe the Restriction of Hazardous substances (ROHS) law mandates mercury capping at 5mg/CFL

Unregulated market

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India's CFL production potential

	400-500 million pieces per annum: Indian market's potential to manufacture 20 million: number of CFL bulbs manufactured in 2003 200 million: number of CFL bulbs manufactured in 2008 8.5 tonnes: Amount of mercury leaching into environment from CFL bulbs in India