Shoppers Guide to Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

by Environmental Working Group (EWG)
December 2008

Start with the fixtures you use most. Choose CFLs for locations where breakage is rare - for instance, for ceiling fixtures rather than table lamps in high traffic areas or clip lamps.

• BUY a few test bulbs of several brands and try them out in different areas. With standard use, CFLs will last a long time -- all the more reason to make sure that as you consult the EWG guide, you and your family are comfortable with their quality of light.
  

• BUY CFLs bulbs with the lowest mercury content. The Energy Star logo is not a good indicator of low mercury bulbs. Instead choose from the 7 types EWG research shows have the least mercury:

Earthmate Mini-Size Bulbs (13, 15, 20, & 23 Watt)
Litetronics Neolite (10, 13, 15, 20, & 23 Watt)
Sylvania Micro-Mini (13, 20, & 23 Watts)
Sylvania DURA-ONE (reflector bulbs)
Feit Ecobulb
MaxLite
Philips with Alto

For online buying options visit ewg.org/greenlightbulbs.

• DON’T use CFLs where mercury exposure is unacceptable or cleanup is difficult --- children’s rooms, playrooms, recreation rooms, workbenches and near irreplaceable rugs and furniture.
  

• DON’T use CFLs in closets and other spots lit for short periods. CFLs take 10 to 15 minutes to reach optimum light and energy efficiency.
  

• USE mercury-free bulbs such as LED (light emitting diodes) or halogen energy savers where CFLs don’t work. Also consider them for stairs and hallways where a CFL’s slow start-up poses a safety risk.
  

• Cleaning up broken CFL bulbs:

If you break a bulb follow EWG’s 10 step clean-up checklist [ewg.org/greenlightbulbs]. The most critical steps to remember:
• Keep children and pregnant or nursing women away from the contaminated area.
• Close doors and open windows to allow volatile mercury vapors to vent outdoors.
• Leave the site for 5 to 15 minutes.
• Scoop up bulb fragments and use tape to collect tiny particles.
• Seal the waste in a glass jar with screw-top lid.

See the full report here.

Copyright 2007-2009 Environmental Working Group