Isn’t Energy Conservation Supposed To Be Safe ?

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Today’s U.K. Mail posted a story about the fire danger posed by compact fluorescent light bulbs after they have stopped working. It seems as if the electronics in the base of the light bulb will attempt to produce light even after the bulb has burned out.

The article reports:

So far there have been 34 complaints about CFLs emitting smoke or a burning odour and four reports of one actually catching fire.

Jennifer Mieth, Massachusetts’ Department of Fire Services spokesman, told masslive.com: ‘In 2008, the state fire marshal’s office office first alerted the fire chiefs that CFLs could smoke.

‘I’m not aware of any fires that fire departments in the state have responded to that were started by CFLs, but, as a consumer, it’s a good idea to be vigilant.’

In 2009, standards were revised for materials used in the plastic housing of the base of CFLs sold in North America. But millions are still in use that were produced before the change.

CFL bulbs produce a hazardous waste situation when they break, and they have a danger of smoking or catching fire after they burn out. Maybe it’s time to rethink this whole light bulb thing and bring back the incandescent bulb.

 

 

 

 

 

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