But improper disposal of energy- saving bulbs, which contain mercury, could be dangerous: Case
Jessica Lim, Straits Times 26 May 08;
SALES of energy-saving light bulbs are rising as consumers here warm to the idea of slashing their electricity bills.
Philips Electronics, which supplies such light bulbs to more than 100 supermarkets here, says sales have gone up by 31 per cent over the past two years. This is higher than the average 25per cent growth in Asia.
A Straits Times check of eight hardware stores across the island showed that sales of the bulbs have increased by 10 to 30 per cent compared to last year.
The main reason: The bulbs - known as compact fluorescent lamps or CFLs - use 75per cent to 80 per cent less energy than normal incandescent bulbs and last six times longer.
Using a CFL instead of an incandescent bulb can save households about $15 per bulb per year, said a Singapore Environment Council spokesman.
This explains why more customers are opting for CFLs despite the fact that they cost about three times more than incandescent bulbs - roughly $9 compared to $3.
The boost in sales is not surprising, said MrSeah Seng Choon, executive director of the Consumers Association of Singapore.
'It is one consequence of the increased cost of living. Everyone is finding a cheaper alternative,' he said.
However, he warned that precautions should be taken when using CFLs, which typically contain about 5mg of mercury - while incandescent bulbs contain none at all. Mercury can affect the nervous system and organs like the liver.
His suggestion: Glass shards from broken CFLs should not be vacuumed, but swept away by someone wearing rubber gloves. The broken pieces should then be sealed in a bag for disposal. He also urged manufacturers to print proper disposal procedures on the bulbs' packaging.
Consumers say they do not mind a little extra work to save money.
'The increased hassle of disposal doesn't mean I will stop saving energy. It can help to reduce household spending,' said Madam Gek Huay Phua, 56, a housewife who started buying CFLs two weeks ago.
Energy-efficient bulbs and their incandescent counterparts provide the same amount of light, although CFLs can take a second or two before powering up.
Tackling that mercury risk
GLOBALLY
What is happening?
# The British government began phasing out incandescent bulbs about three months ago. It aims to complete the phase-out by 2011.
# The United States Congress has passed an energy law to ban the use of the incandescent bulbs by 2014.
So what?
# There are fears that mercury contained in energy-saving bulbs could leak into water supplies because of improper disposal systems.
# Dermatologists are worried the bulbs could cause skin problems, like eczema, to flare up.
# The British government warned that the bulbs are so dangerous that a room must be vacated for at least 15minutes if one breaks.
SINGAPORE
What is happening?
# Spent energy-efficient bulbs are treated as ordinary rubbish and incinerated.
# The National Environment Agency (NEA) said incineration plants here are equipped with systems to remove pollutants from the bulbs before they are released into the air.
So what?
# The NEA is considering the separate collection of fluorescent lamps as well as recycling.
