Mercury pollution is now a global problem, and all linear fluorescent, compact fluorescent, and HID lamps contain this potent neurotoxin.
If not properly recovered, mercury can leach into the soil and water table. Mercury also can collect in saltwater and freshwater food sources, such as fish, which is why pregnant or nursing women are advised to avoid eating fish altogether.
It is estimated that over 300,000 – 600,000 children are affected by mercury pollution each year (Bose-O’Reilly et al. 2010).
EnergyLink is dedicated to going green at every part of the product cycle.
This means proper recycling and recovery of hazardous materials when the outdated product is at the end of its usable life – and the pace at which fluorescent bulbs are being phased out results large amounts of potentially harmful waste. EnergyLink’s most recent retrofit project resulted in almost 300 T-8 and T-12 bulbs that needed to be disposed of.
EnergyLink follows all regulations to properly recycle and dispose of hazardous materials, and is proud to contribute to the sustainability of local businesses and the cleanliness and healthiness of the planet. Rest assured that your potential energy efficiency upgrades from EnergyLink are environmentally friendly from start to finish.
For more information about recycling your own bulbs and electronics locally, search here:
Bose-O’Reilly S., McCarty K. M., Steckling N., Lettmeier B. Mercury exposure and children’s health. Current Problems in Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care. 2010;40(8):186–215.
