Environmental Impact
According to a comparative life-cycle assessment of incandescent and compact fluorescent lightbulbs conducted by CIRAIG for Hydro-Québec, compact fluorescents are the most environmentally friendly option for Québec. The study shows that CFLs contain such little mercury (approximately 3 mg) that their end-of-life disposal accounts for less than 1% of overall environmental damage in the product life cycle. In comparison, a watch battery contains five times more mercury than a CFL. It has also been proven that CFLs consume up to 75% less energy and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent lightbulbs. That said, CFLs must be handled with care and disposed of safely. Certain precautionsmust be taken to avoid any risk of mercury contamination. |
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According to a comparative life-cycle assessment of incandescent and compact fluorescent lightbulbs conducted by CIRAIG for Hydro-Québec, compact fluorescents are the most environmentally friendly option for Québec. The study shows that CFLs contain such little mercury (approximately 3 mg) that their end-of-life disposal accounts for less than 1% of overall environmental damage in the product life cycle. In comparison, a watch battery contains five times more mercury than a CFL. It has also been proven that CFLs consume up to 75% less energy and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent lightbulbs. That said, CFLs must be handled with care and disposed of safely. Certain precautionsmust be taken to avoid any risk of mercury contamination.