Trust reject ‘Alarmist’ bulb story
‘alarmist’ story that low energy light bulbs could harm health.
The Environment
Agency has called for more information to be made available on the health and environmental
risks posed by low-energy light bulbs, despite the risks being minor.
It says because
the bulbs contain small amounts of mercury, more information about safe
recycling is needed. It also wants
health warnings printed on packaging and information on how to clear up smashed
bulbs in the home.
But a leading
toxicologist has played down the risks, saying several bulbs would have to be
smashed at once to pose a danger. The Trust endorses his guidance adding that
this ‘over-the-top’ response could lead to people ditching their low energy
lamps.
Toxicologist Dr
David Ray, from the
of
6-8mg of mercury was present in a typical low-energy bulb, which he described
as a "pretty small amount".
"The biggest
danger is repeated exposure – a one off exposure is not as potentially
dangerous compared to working in a light bulb factory.”
"If you
smash one bulb then that is not too much of a hazard. However, if you broke
five bulbs in a small unventilated room then you might be in short term
danger."
The Trust also
hit back at claims that the UV from bulbs could harm people.
“The high levels
of UV from the sun can cause skin cancer, however the UV from lamps is very low
and there is no link…..”
“Only those with
diagnosed sensitive skin problems need to continue using the incandescent
bulbs. New bulbs are being developed for people with over sensitive skin. It is
also not the case that all incandescent bulbs are to be phased out..”
“People expose
themselves to dangerous chemicals every day. Spraying toxic chemicals in the
form of so-called ‘air-fresheners’ or poisons in fly-killers are far more
dangerous – due to people’s constant exposure.”
“However, falling
down the stairs and being in a road accident are far more likely to harm us
than small exposures to most chemicals.”
“The biggest
threat to the heath and wellbeing of the human race as a whole is man-made
climate change.”
“Using low energy
lamps reduces mercury in the environment, as less coal is burnt in power
stations…mercury from that source is the biggest contributor”
“The Trust would
however, welcome information to be promoted on the recycling of all fluorescent
bulbs.”
Tags: energy, environment, finance