We Must Properly Dispose of CFLs, Seven Gen Student Says

Special to Emmaus Patch by Aiden Spradlin

• Did you know that Compact Florescent Light bulbs (CFL) contain mercury?
• Did you also know that mercury is toxic and can cause diseases?
• Do you know how to dispose of CFLs properly?

Many people don’t know the answers to these questions. I think people should know about proper disposal before using CFLs.

What makes CFLs most dangerous is the small amount of mercury inside. Mercury is toxic no matter how small the dosage. If a CFL broke and the mercury came out, the mercury vapor exposure could eventually cause kidney and brain disease.

A way to prevent the dangers of mercury is to properly dispose of CFLs. You should not just throw them away. One way to dispose of CFLs is to order a VaporLok bag at earth911.com. A VaporLok bag is different than other bags because it traps the mercury inside. Once you do that you have to DRIVE it to a recycling plant that accepts CFLs. You might have to pay them.

There are now energy saving lights without mercury. Here are some replacement options:

• Synthetic Jet- LED light bulb made by General Electric    
• Nano light- professors at Wake Forest created field induced polymer electroluminescent technology, or FIPEL

Remember, you should always know about proper disposal before using CFLs. Now that you know this please inform your family so they aren’t harmed. Thank you for listening to my opinion.

Aiden Spradlin, of Macungie, is a currently a 4th grade student at Seven Generations Charter School in Emmaus. Spradlin's class has been studying household hazardous waste and the students wrote opinion articles on the topic.