Podcast
Questions and Answers
What concern is raised regarding compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)?
What concern is raised regarding compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)?
The 'Ban the Bulb' campaign aims to promote the use of incandescent bulbs over CFLs.
The 'Ban the Bulb' campaign aims to promote the use of incandescent bulbs over CFLs.
False
How much mercury is contained in each CFL?
How much mercury is contained in each CFL?
5 milligrams
The campaign promoted by Greenpeace is called '______'.
The campaign promoted by Greenpeace is called '______'.
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Match the following terms with their descriptions:
Match the following terms with their descriptions:
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What is one potential hazard of broken CFLs according to Dr. T.K. Joshi?
What is one potential hazard of broken CFLs according to Dr. T.K. Joshi?
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Greenpeace advocates for the use of incandescent bulbs to reduce mercury emissions.
Greenpeace advocates for the use of incandescent bulbs to reduce mercury emissions.
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What year does the Indian lighting industry use approximately 56 metric tons of mercury for production?
What year does the Indian lighting industry use approximately 56 metric tons of mercury for production?
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Dumping used CFLs as household waste is a __________ offence.
Dumping used CFLs as household waste is a __________ offence.
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Match the following facts about CFLs and mercury:
Match the following facts about CFLs and mercury:
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Study Notes
Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)
- CFLs offer cost savings on electricity bills but contain mercury, a toxic metal.
- Exposure to mercury from broken CFLs can harm indoor air quality and public health, and pose environmental risks when discarded improperly.
Environmental Concerns
- Greenpeace’s 'Ban the Bulb' campaign promotes replacing incandescent bulbs with CFLs to combat global warming, especially targeting Delhi.
- In Delhi, replacing 12.5 crore incandescent bulbs with CFLs would introduce around 500 kg of mercury into the environment.
Health Risks
- Environmentalist Ravi Agarwal warns about the mercury risk, especially with inferior quality CFLs that may contain higher mercury levels.
- Dr. T.K. Joshi highlights the dangers of broken CFLs, noting that mercury exposure affects brain health and poses risks to pregnant women.
Market Dynamics
- Power distribution companies incentivize CFL adoption by selling two CFLs for the price of one.
- BSES, the largest distributor in Delhi, has sold 3.5 million CFLs in just five months, promoting both cost savings and reduced power demand.
Recycling and Production
- The Indian lighting industry consumes 56 metric tons of mercury annually; switching entirely to CFL production could increase this to 560 metric tons.
- The European Union prohibits mercury in all products except lighting and mandates recycling of used lamps.
Legislation and Challenges
- The absence of effective recycling schemes raises concerns about mercury pollution from broken or disposed-of CFLs.
- Discarding CFLs as standard household waste is punishable under current regulations, emphasizing the need for proper disposal methods.
Broader Implications
- While CFLs can decrease energy demand and lower mercury emissions from coal-fired plants by 25%, the cumulative environmental impact from their production and disposal remains concerning.
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Description
Test your knowledge about compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and their impact on home safety. This quiz covers the benefits of CFLs, potential health risks from mercury exposure, and environmental concerns regarding disposal. Stay informed to keep your home safe and eco-friendly!
