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Anne_Dwyer's Blog

by Anne_Dwyer from Fox 13, Tampa Bay

Last Post 99 days, 12 hours Ago


I'm changing!
Jul 28, 2008 | 8:16 AM
Category: News
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The other day i noticed i had two overhead lights out in the bathroom.  I changed them with those (fairly) new CFL bulbs.   WHAT a difference.  Not so much on the light itself, but those bulbs are so much cooler.  Yes, they are more expensive, but gosh, they have to cut down on cooling needs, not to mention they use less juice than the standard types.  But my question is: what happens when one breaks?  Do they really have mercury in them, and are we supposed to dispose of them differently.  I notice they take a few seconds to come on, but for me, they are well worth the wait.   So far,  so good with this change! 

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Member Comments Total Comments: 12
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Vittorio read my blog view my photos
Jul 28, 2008 | 9:11 AM

There are several warnings on these; check the web. Safe disposal is another problem. Progress has it's perils.
MoonOwl read my blog view my photos
Jul 28, 2008 | 9:18 AM

Hello Anne... Here's a link to a 5min YouTube of Rep. Ted Poe re: CFL bulbs. Mr. Poe gives much information about the handling of these bulbs while expressing his dissatisfaction in the process:

http://tinyurl.com/5t4j9a

MoonOwl
robinlee read my blog
Jul 28, 2008 | 10:16 AM

Hello there Anne,
I went to the above website and was a bit shocked by the information I heard, I to replaced some of the light bulbs with the new bulbs and agree they are cooler, however after that eyeopening bit of information, I believe I would rather keep my lights off as much as possible than have to worry constantly that one of my grankids might accidently knock over one of my lamps or take the risk that one might break. Thanks MoonOwl for the link, guess I better stock up on the old bulbs.
My_Louie read my blog view my photos
Jul 28, 2008 | 2:14 PM

Wow, thanks MO I had no idea. My husband has those bulbs in every light in the house. He changed them about two years ago. Sometimes I wonder how we ever survive...Lol
mmustangg read my blog view my photos
Jul 28, 2008 | 2:38 PM

I doubt Anne will be back to comment at the hosts post and run around here. Except for Paul! Thanks dude!

Anne,

These bulbs I have uses are not cooler. They dont last near as long as they say they should and they DO have mercury in them. They cost 5x as much and will probably cost me to dispose of them. You must have missed my blog on the one I had that just blew out after a short time? You say they are worth it for you but they are worth more to the Chinese that make them. Now what are they worth?

STOCK UP ON REGULAR BULBS PEOPLE!
MoonOwl read my blog view my photos
Jul 28, 2008 | 5:20 PM

No problem y'all. Just passing all that info on..

Perhaps Mr. Poe is one incumbent Texas should think about keeping?

Mmustangg, for as rude as some can be here I don't blame the anchors for not responding to their blogs. I've seen some of Denise's blogs go totally foul. Who can blame em? I sure don't. Some people have no social skills whatsoever yet can manage to hit that "Done" key.

The real question is what were we being distracted with when this 'law' was passed?

I also bought one of those bulbs and it lasted about a month. If that. I haven't bought another. Perhaps by the time these are mandatory, this will be overturned? There's always hope....

MoonOwl
Gary3088 read my blog
Jul 28, 2008 | 7:45 PM

I bought a few of the funny shaped ones that go in the ceiling fan lights. I did not know until today that they contained mercury in them. Hmmm, being in the ceiling fans though, might be safer rather than having them in the floor lamps especially when there are kids about.
Procreate101 read my blog view my photos
Jul 29, 2008 | 1:26 AM

Never quite understood why indoor LED lamps have not taken off here in the U.S.
Cromagnonwoman read my blog view my photos
Jul 29, 2008 | 8:45 AM

All have mercury in them and require all kinds of disposal routines. Not to mention they are all made in China.
Thomas Edison is rolling over in his grave.
FloydFreak read my blog view my photos
Jul 29, 2008 | 8:31 PM

Ann, if you are going through the change and feeling COOLER, I say more power to ya!

P.S.: I've installed four of these in my bathroom's vanity light. They've been in place for about a year. 4 x 15 watts and decent light output so no complaints. But I will not pay to dispose of my burned out bulbs. They'll go in the trash. Sorry - someone shoulda thought of this before they were rammed down our throats.
Cromagnonwoman read my blog view my photos
Jul 30, 2008 | 4:55 AM

Here are some tidbits of info.

What do I do with a CFL when it burns out? What is the proper disposal of a CFL bulb?
Follow these guidelines to dispose your CFL properly:

Like paint, batteries, thermostats, and other hazardous household items, CFLs should be disposed of properly. Do not throw CFLs away in your household garbage if better disposal options exist. To find out what to do first check www.earth911.org (where you can find disposal options by using your zip code) or call 1-877-EARTH911 for local disposal options. Another option is to check directly with your local waste management agency for recycling options and disposal guidelines in your community. Additional information is available at www.lamprecycle.org. Finally, IKEA stores take back used CFLs, and other retailers are currently exploring take back programs.
If your local waste management agency offers no other disposal options except your household garbage, place the CFL in a plastic bag and seal it before putting it in the trash. If your waste agency incinerates its garbage, you should search a wider geographic area for proper disposal options. Never send a CFL or other mercury containing product to an incinerator.
ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs have a two-year warranty. If the bulb fails within the warranty period, return it to your retailer.
Cromagnonwoman read my blog view my photos
Jul 30, 2008 | 4:56 AM

What should I do if a CFL breaks?

Because there is such a small amount of mercury in CFLs, your greatest risk if a bulb breaks is getting cut from glass shards. Research indicates that there is no immediate health risk to you or your family should a bulb break and it's cleaned up properly. You can minimize any risks by following these proper clean-up and disposal guidelines:

Sweep up—don't vacuum—all of the glass fragments and fine particles.
Place broken pieces in a sealed plastic bag and wipe the area with a damp paper towel to pick up any stray shards of glass or fine particles. Put the used towel in the plastic bag as well.
If weather permits, open windows to allow the room to ventilate.
Hmm. Allow the room to ventilate. All because of a mercury laced chinese made light bulb.
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Anne_Dwyer

As I write this bio, I realize just how fast time flies. I've been working at WTVT Channel 13 for almost 20 years. I started on the morning show with Ernie Lee, when it was called "Breakfast Beat." During these years I've worked the medical beat and weekend mornings. I come from the Midwest. I was born and raised in Decatur, Illinois, once the soybean capitol of the world! College took me to the big city of Chicago. I "played in Peoria" at a TV station there before settling in Tampa. It's been a great adventure, and I can't wait for the NEXT 20!!!!!

Member Since: 7/3/2006