Dangers in Energy Saving Bulbs

Kenya’s Electricity connectivity is growing very fast and very soon all the villages will be connected with power supply. Kenya Power and Lighting Company is solely in charge of supplying electricity in Kenya.  As KPLC rebrands to reflect growth, renewal and transformation and Rural Electrification strive to efficiently provide high quality and affordable electricity connectivity, Consumers (users) on the other hand strive to save cost of electricity consumption by using Compact Fluorescent Lamps(CFL) popularly known in Kenya as Energy Saving Bulbs without realizing the dangers associated to this bulbs.

Thousands of Compact Fluorescent Lamps(CFL) are bought on a daily basis but where? And how? Are the used bulbs disposed?

This is the time to advocate for proper handling and disposal of these bulbs especially in Africa where regulations on disposal of Electronic waste is not keenly followed, watch out before the situation get out of hand. 

As the Kenya Power and Lighting  (KPLC) puts it “In a world faced with limited energy resources, it is essential that we learn how to conserve our electricity.  It helps us save money and the environment. We can all make a difference by using the available power efficiently. “

And I say “By Discovering how to save electricity and money by using Energy saving Bulbs, proper handling and understanding the dangers associated with them should be advocated, remember cheap can turn out to be expensive.

Energy saving bulbs

Compact Fluorescent Lamps(CFL) popularly known in Kenya as Energy Saving Bulbs are designed to fit standard light sockets as an energy-saving alternative to traditional incandescent bulbs. CFLs have spiraling or elongated U-shaped tubes known as a single-envelope unit; the double-envelope or encapsulated bulbs have the tubes inside a glass bulb. These bulbs are safe for use but present a potential danger only when glass break

Consumers should be aware of dangers associated with CFL bulbs before bringing the units into the home, school. Offices hospitals etc

Handle bulbs carefully to avoid breaking the glass tubes.

Do not touch them when they are on or have recently been on. These bulbs are safe for use and present a potential danger only when the glass breaks.

When a CFL bulb is cracked or broken

When a CFL bulb is cracked or broken, mercury vapors can leak out, causing exposure to a potential neurotoxin.

Cleanup if Bulb Breaks

1. Open windows for at least 15 minutes.

2. Do not directly touch any broken glass; use duct tape to pick up fragments.

Get rid of any bedding or clothing that has glass fragments on it from the room and ensure its thoroughly cleaned.

Dangers to Environment

Mercury can get into water supplies by seeping into groundwater and soil.

Mr. Hesbon Obor

CEO Achach Foundation

Tel: +254 739 265 507

Email: hesbon@achachfoundation.org

www.achachfoundation.org