Proper Fluorescent Light Bulb Recycling Leads To Safe Seafood

Compact fluorescent light bulbs, also known as C.F.Ls, have become very popular recently. Most of this popularity has stemmed from the bulbs long lifespan and energy efficiency. However, there is one small problem with CFL bulbs—they contain the neurotoxin mercury. For this reason, proper and efficient fluorescent light bulb recycling is essential.

An average CFL lamp contains between 3.5 and 15 milliliters of mercury. Granted, this amount alone is not enough to pose a serious health risk (although spills must always be properly cleaned). Still, due to the sheer volume of light bulbs used worldwide, improper light bulb disposal could have catastrophic environmental effects, which is why diligent fluorescent light bulb recycling is so important.

One of the biggest concerns with mercury pollution is water pollution. Even a small amount of mercury can contaminate a fairly large area of water. Of course, the biggest threat in terms of mercury water pollution is fish contamination.

When mercury gets in the water system, it gets into eco-system and eventually into the food chain. This is particularly bad for humans that eat fish because pescatarians are very much a part of this mercury laced food chain. Larger fish generally contain the most mercury because larger fish prey on smaller fish that have also been exposed to mercury. Shark and swordfish often contain the highest mercury contamination amongst edible seafood, however, tuna poses the greatest threat because it is the most commonly consumed large fish.

Proper fluorescent light bulb recycling is just one of many steps that need to be taken to reduce mercury levels in our nations’ rivers, lakes, and seas. Industrial sites and coal power plants are probably the largest mercury pollution offenders. Still, recycling fluorescent bulbs is one part of mercury reduction where the individual can most certainly make a difference.

Recycle Technologies, Inc. is a specialist in Minnesota lamp recycling.