CFLs and Home Safety Quiz

Questions and Answers

What concern is raised regarding compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)?

They are expensive to purchase.

They contain mercury that can harm health and the environment. (correct)

They require special electrical outlets.

They are too bright for most homes.

The 'Ban the Bulb' campaign aims to promote the use of incandescent bulbs over CFLs.

False

How much mercury is contained in each CFL?

5 milligrams

The campaign promoted by Greenpeace is called '______'.

Ban the Bulb Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their descriptions:

CFLs = Compact fluorescent lamps that contain mercury NGO = Non-governmental organization Greenpeace = Environmental organization campaigning against global warming UNEP = United Nations Environment Programme advocating for phasing out mercury Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential hazard of broken CFLs according to Dr. T.K. Joshi?

They can release mercury that contaminates the air. Signup and view all the answers

Greenpeace advocates for the use of incandescent bulbs to reduce mercury emissions.

False Signup and view all the answers

What year does the Indian lighting industry use approximately 56 metric tons of mercury for production?

56 metric tons Signup and view all the answers

Dumping used CFLs as household waste is a __________ offence.

punishable Signup and view all the answers

Match the following facts about CFLs and mercury:

CFLs break easily = Releases mercury into the environment Production of electricity from coal-based power plants = Increases mercury emissions European Union policy = Manufacturers must recycle used lamps Health risks for pregnant women = Potential effects of mercury exposure Signup and view all the answers

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.

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!