CFLs and ultra-violet (UV) light
There has been no medical or scientific evidence that connects CFLs to any health concerns when used for general illumination.
- Neither the federal nor the provincial governments have issued any warnings about health concerns related to CFLs
- We're constantly requesting additional research results from manufacturers, government agencies and other power utilities regarding CFLs
- CFLs are certified for use in Canada
- For more information on CFLs and UV, visit Health Canada
CFLs and mercury
The average CFL contains between 3 and 5 milligrams of mercury (significantly less than that contained in a watch battery—25 milligrams) and no mercury is released when the bulb is intact or in use.
Even with these trace amounts of mercury in CFLs, they provide a net benefit to the environment. By reducing the amount of electricity we use at home and work, SaskPower will not have to produce as much electricity. This means a reduction of greenhouse gas and mercury emissions from coal-fired plants.
Safety tips
- CFLs, if used improperly, may smoke, change colour and char around the base. However, CFLs are not a fire hazard
- Be responsible and recycle your CFLs after they have burned out. See CFL recycling for more information
- To prevent breakage during installation, always screw the bulb by its base rather than by the glass
- While CFLs do emit electric and magnetic fields (EMFs), just like any other product that is plugged into an electrical outlet, Health Canada does not consider EMFs from CFLs to be a health risk
Disposing of CFLs
Because CFLs contain mercury, if a CFL breaks, specific steps must be taken to safely dispose of the bulb:
- Open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes
- Upon return, wear disposable rubber gloves to carefully pick up broken glass
- On carpet, use duct tape to collect fine particles
- Vacuum the area, and rinse the vacuum container or dispose of the bag when done
- On hard surfaces, use a piece of stiff paper or cardboard to collect pieces into a plastic bag (instead of a vacuum)
- Place all clean up materials in a second plastic bag and wipe the affected area with a damp paper towel
