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Fluorescent light bulbs consist of a tube containing mercury vapor in a low pressure environment. This tube contains a coiled metal filament at each end. Electricity travels between the two filaments, and the electrons collide with atoms of mercury vapor. The excited atoms then glow with ultra-violet (UV) light. According to the Cornell Center for Materials Research, this UV light is invisible to the naked eye. Therefore, fluorescent bulbs are coated on the interior with a phosphorous substance. When hit with the UV light, the phosphor atoms glow and emit white light that we can actually see.
Traditional fluorescent bulbs require a ballast, a mechanism that supplies electricity to the bulb and regulates the flow to maintain a consistent level of light. Modern compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) have been constructed with coiled tubes that end in a small ballast that's compatible with most incandescent lamp sockets.
Fluorescent bulbs typically last longer and use less energy, so they have long been used in large commercial and government spaces to save money on the vast amount of lighting used. Improvements in the color and appearance of light from fluorescent bulbs, along with efforts to lessen energy usage, has increased the popularity of fluorescent bulbs for home use. -
Fluorescent bulbs come in different colors, intensities and shapes. The most common is a linear tube, but the tube can also be in a U-bend or circular shape. These all plug into a light fixture with a ballast to provide power. In compact fluorescent bulbs, the tubes are small and coiled, and can screw into most incandescent bulb fixtures.
Fluorescent bulbs used to have a pale yellow cast to the light, but now come in a variety of hues that include soft, daylight and bright white. Fluorescent bulbs can also come in colors, or be bought with colored sleeves to alter the hue. Bulbs are also available as black lights. Some fluorescent bulbs can be used as grow lights for plants. The 4Hydroponics website recommends using fluorescents for seedlings, cuttings and small plants. Fluorescent bulb technology is constantly improving, and bulbs are available with low-noise options, shatter-proof glass and special CFLs for ceiling fans and dimmers. -
Fluorescent bulbs typically last longer, and use less energy, saving you money in the long run on electricity bills and bulb replacements. Fluorescent bulbs also help the environment. Greenfeet reports that replacing one incandescent bulb with a compact fluorescent bulb can reduce carbon monoxide emissions by 1000 lbs. (see Resources).
Because fluorescent bulbs use less wattage, GE states on its website that you can use brighter fluorescent bulbs in your lamps without exceeding the recommended wattage. For example, 60 watt incandescent bulbs are equivalent to a 15 watt CFL. Use up to a 42 watt CFL for much brighter light, and still less heat and energy. -
Fluorescent bulbs take time to warm up, so you may not want them in areas like entryways where you need bright light quickly. Turning fluorescent bulbs on and then off before they have warmed up can also dramatically shorten the life of a bulb, so avoid using them in bathrooms or other rooms where lights are turned on and off frequently.
Fluorescent bulbs must be used with the right ballast, and CFLs must be appropriate for the type of fixture. Check labels to find the right fluorescent bulbs for dimmer switches and ceiling fans. GE does not recommend CFL bulbs in recessed lighting with covers. -
Fluorescent bulbs do contain mercury, an element that is harmful to health. Broken bulbs need to be cleaned and disposed of in a proper manner. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends quickly airing out a room where a bulb has been broken, and leaving the area for at least 15 minutes. Turn off the heating and cooling system. Do not use vacuums or brooms to clean up the spill, as these can become contaminated. Wear gloves. Use cardboard and a damp paper towel to pick up the pieces and seal all debris and the towels into a plastic bag.
If a vaccuum must be used, be sure to dispose of the bag, or empty and carefully wipe out the canister with a damp paper towel. Put all debris in a sealed container for disposal. The next few times you use the vacuum, turn off the heating/cooling system, and open a window for at least 15 minutes after vacuuming.
Discard any clothing or bedding that comes in direct contact with mercury. Do not wash in the washing machine, as it can contaminate the system for future use.
Check with your local government about proper fluorescent bulb disposal. In some cases, the unbroken bulbs or broken debris sealed in plastic bags can be discarded in the regular trash. However, some states require disposing of bulbs at approved recycling centers.
