Global Warming Poley Bears Efficiency Lighting

ltd · 18-08-2011, 08:40 AM

Something happened last night which has never happened before, and it got me a little concerned.
In my lounge room, I turned on a light and was greeted by a blue flash, a large popping sound and then the sound of broken glass.
It turns out, the energy efficient globe had exploded. Luckily, the glass diffuser managed to capture most/all of the debris; preventing a shower of glass spraying all over the room.
The problem is, these things have mercury in them (around 2-3 grams), and mercury does not mix well with humans. I did some research and found it quite alarming the number of precautions that you have to take cleaning up the mess, including not vacuuming up any debris for fear of making the mercury airborne.
Now, I've had these types of globes blow before and it's not a problem to replace, but I've never had one explode. So, not wanting to be alarmist, I thought I'd ask the question here. Has anyone had a globe explode and if so, what did you do about it?

Also, can anyone reveal a source of the normal incandescent globes instead of the global warming, poley bears efficiency globes?

Jim Goose · 18-08-2011, 09:00 AM

Incandescent globes of the normal size for use in room lighting are no longer available for sale. They were actually banned from being imported last year i believe.

You can still get the smaller ones for desk lamps etc...

So no... you cant get them anywhere!

Those new mercury filled globes are useless as they light is too blue and even getting one with a high wattage isnt enough to light up a room with good light.

May as well go and fit fluros all over the house or LED downlights

MAD · 18-08-2011, 09:18 AM

I dont have a problem with the compact fluro replacements. I use warm white versions throughout the house. I cant remember the wattage of the ones we have though.

That's interesting regarding the mercury. Automotive Xenon bulbs moved to zero mercury a fair while ago. I'm surprised they are able to have mercury in a household item like this.

Really there should heaps of information spread around of this, because mercury shouldnt even be disposed of in normal waste.

RiTz · 18-08-2011, 09:23 AM

Mum has a sewing / computer nook in her bedroom.. Her one exploded and made a fine mess. Lucky she wasn't in the room when it happened.. Let alone sitting under it !

**redxm** · 18-08-2011, 09:38 AM

You cant buy incandescent bulbs anymore as stated. Keep your eye out for Halogen bulbs. very similar, cheap & better light than the fluros.
I have been telling everyone I know about the mercury issue for years now. Everyone is surprised to learn that.

Jim Goose · 18-08-2011, 09:54 AM

Forgot to mention I bought one of these new globes a few yrs ago when they first came out. It lasted about 60mins! then blew itself.

When I removed it I found the glass part had seperated from the base (glue had let go)

ltd · 18-08-2011, 09:56 AM

Thanks for the replies guys, I did a little checking and apparently, you have can only safely dispose of the old globes at the tip where you drop off your old car batteries.
I'm thinking I might just package all of mine up, and have a courier deliver it to the the former liberal environmental minister Malcolm Turnball's (the guy who started this efficiency lighting crap) office with a note saying; "suck my mercury".

MAD · 18-08-2011, 10:05 AM

At first this new information did raise my interests, so I looked into it.

From the small amount of research I've just done, I've found the actual level of mercury in these type of globes is around 5 milligrams, not the 2-3 grams as mentioned in the first post.

Mercury is serious stuff, so next time I have a breakage I will be much more careful. I have only had one breakage and it was due to a wii tennis serve. (not me)

mac_man_luke · 18-08-2011, 10:41 AM

Incandescence style halogens are great, instant full brightness, cheaper and nicer light.

TheSneakiness · 18-08-2011, 12:00 PM

I've had a few blow out (including one in a brand new house that happened when the power was first connected) but definately not explode.

mik · 18-08-2011, 12:52 PM

we have the efficient type globes through the house, never had one blow, did have one fall to bits trying to fit it into a dodgey socket, never knew the health concerns

(thx Ltd).

Thornie · 18-08-2011, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ltd

Something happened last night which has never happened before, and it got me a little concerned.
In my lounge room, I turned on a light and was greeted by a blue flash, a large popping sound and then the sound of broken glass.
It turns out, the energy efficient globe had exploded. Luckily, the glass diffuser managed to capture most/all of the debris; preventing a shower of glass spraying all over the room.
The problem is, these things have mercury in them (around 2-3 grams), and mercury does not mix well with humans. I did some research and found it quite alarming the number of precautions that you have to take cleaning up the mess, including not vacuuming up any debris for fear of making the mercury airborne.
Now, I've had these types of globes blow before and it's not a problem to replace, but I've never had one explode. So, not wanting to be alarmist, I thought I'd ask the question here. Has anyone had a globe explode and if so, what did you do about it?

Also, can anyone reveal a source of the normal incandescent globes instead of the global warming, poley bears efficiency globes?

we had a warning letter about these globes sent to us at our toolbox meeting at work a couple months back dangerous things they can be if they do break, always wear a dust mask and dont vacuum it up sweep it up.

ltd · 18-08-2011, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RaTTuS

we had a warning letter about these globes sent to us at our toolbox meeting at work a couple months back dangerous things they can be if they do break, always wear a dust mask and dont vacuum it up sweep it up.

Thanks mate, that's exactly the information I was looking for.
Fortunately it seems that the light cover has held it all in there, I'll be very careful removing it though and wearing a dust mask as well as gloves.
Thanks again.

XYGTHO · 18-08-2011, 02:02 PM

As with anything there are alot of cheapies out there. They are generally pretty good.

MAD · 18-08-2011, 02:07 PM

What I read this morning was if it occurs in your house, open all windows and get all people and pets outside for 15mins while it airs out. Then pick the broken glass up with stiff cardboard or similar and place in to a sealable plastic bag at least but preferably a glass container. No broom or vacuum.

There have been very few instances of mercury poisoning from these, but best to be safe I guess.

ltd · 18-08-2011, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAD

What I read this morning was if it occurs in your house, open all windows and get all people and pets outside for 15mins while it airs out. Then pick the broken glass up with stiff cardboard or similar and place in to a sealable plastic bag at least but preferably a glass container. No broom or vacuum.

There have been very few instances of mercury poisoning from these, but best to be safe I guess.

Thanks MAD, I've read similar stuff too.
I did remember the 15 minute thing though and did that as soon as it happened.

I remember getting an email about the danger of what happens if you step on one of these things, I've found a picture of it here: Be warned though, it is quite disgusting and a little graphic so if squeamish, don't look.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q...soningfoot.jpg

MAD · 18-08-2011, 03:40 PM

I wonder how a dyson vac would work, they say their system can remove cigarette smoke particles.

ltd · 18-08-2011, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAD

I wonder how a dyson vac would work, they say their system can remove cigarette smoke particles.

I don't know. I suppose though after you've done it you'd want to change the filters.
I didn't do chemistry at school I did physics. I do remember that mercury vapour can have detrimental effects if you're subjected to it over a period of time. I'd imagine the advice against vacuuming would be to prevent the particles being picked up off the carpet and blown around the room again.

Bud Bud · 18-08-2011, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ltd

I remember getting an email about the danger of what happens if you step on one of these things, I've found a picture of it here: Be warned though, it is quite disgusting and a little graphic so if squeamish, don't look.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q...soningfoot.jpg

Jaheeesus! Will that get better??? Is that just a small cut opening up from infection or was it a huge gash to start with? Makes me appreciate how bad these things are now that's for sure!

Bud Bud

ltd · 18-08-2011, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bud Bud

Jaheeesus! Will that get better??? Is that just a small cut opening up from infection or was it a huge gash to start with? Makes me appreciate how bad these things are now that's for sure!

Bud Bud

I think we're led to believe this happened as a result of mercury poisoning from stepping on the globe in bare feet.
I hope for this poor persons sake it does get better, but this is why I decided to make a thread on the issue as there is substantial evidence that these things can be harmful. We've not grown up knowing light globes to be dangerous beyond the glass bit so I know in my case, there was quite a bit of complacency on the subject.

Werd. · 18-08-2011, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ltd

I think we're led to believe this happened as a result of mercury poisoning from stepping on the globe in bare feet.
I hope for this poor persons sake it does get better, but this is why I decided to make a thread on the issue as there is substantial evidence that these things can be harmful. We've not grown up knowing light globes to be dangerous beyond the glass bit so I know in my case, there was quite a bit of complacency on the subject.

Yeah definitely worth making a switch to LED globes. Dealextreme has a few.
http://www.dealextreme.com/c/led-lig...gesort=reviews

Work Horse · 18-08-2011, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ltd

I think we're led to believe this happened as a result of mercury poisoning from stepping on the globe in bare feet.
I hope for this poor persons sake it does get better, but this is why I decided to make a thread on the issue as there is substantial evidence that these things can be harmful. We've not grown up knowing light globes to be dangerous beyond the glass bit so I know in my case, there was quite a bit of complacency on the subject.

Mercury has always been in all fluorescent lights, this is not a new thing.

But it is timely to warn people about the dangers of mercury.

Incandescent globes contain no mercury.

Mercury is released when fossil fuels are burned to produce electricity.

Incandescent globes use a lot more electricity than energy efficient globes.

Up to 5 times the amount of mercury is released powering an incandescent globe compared to an energy efficient CFL. Including the mercury released during CFL disposal.

vztrt · 18-08-2011, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ltd

Something happened last night which has never happened before, and it got me a little concerned.
In my lounge room, I turned on a light and was greeted by a blue flash, a large popping sound and then the sound of broken glass.
It turns out, the energy efficient globe had exploded. Luckily, the glass diffuser managed to capture most/all of the debris; preventing a shower of glass spraying all over the room.
The problem is, these things have mercury in them (around 2-3 grams), and mercury does not mix well with humans. I did some research and found it quite alarming the number of precautions that you have to take cleaning up the mess, including not vacuuming up any debris for fear of making the mercury airborne.
Now, I've had these types of globes blow before and it's not a problem to replace, but I've never had one explode. So, not wanting to be alarmist, I thought I'd ask the question here. Has anyone had a globe explode and if so, what did you do about it?

Also, can anyone reveal a source of the normal incandescent globes instead of the global warming, poley bears efficiency globes?

I got an e-mail from the safety chick at work regarding this. Seems the same as the attachment of the foot that got infected.

I'm glad I never bought these things (seeing as they gave crap light), the halogen globes that they sell are actually good and use less electricity. So its win win.

Scott · 18-08-2011, 07:53 PM

Something I've been warned of for years and cleared my house (all one of) when we got pregnant. With a little one so close to the ground, these things can be seriously dangerous. No fluoros here anywhere bar the shed.

Thornie · 18-08-2011, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ltd

Thanks MAD, I've read similar stuff too.
I did remember the 15 minute thing though and did that as soon as it happened.

I remember getting an email about the danger of what happens if you step on one of these things, I've found a picture of it here: Be warned though, it is quite disgusting and a little graphic so if squeamish, don't look.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q...soningfoot.jpg

Thats the email we read out at work.

Fairlane · 19-08-2011, 10:23 AM

I hate those compact fluroescent things. The cool white ones really put me off, and im not even a fan of the warm white ones. And equivilant to 60/80w whatever, yeah right.

Fortunately I stockpiled a bucketload of old incandescents, but Im a big fan of the Halogens, look like a standard incandescent put out a nice warm light and are reasonably cheap.

**cs123** · 19-08-2011, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fairlane

Fortunately I stockpiled a bucketload of old incandescents, but Im a big fan of the Halogens, look like a standard incandescent put out a nice warm light and are reasonably cheap.

I do agree with what you say about the colour temperature. Halogens have a nice warm glow to them. The problem is the power usage. I replaced 8 halogens in my house simply because of the power drain. 320W vs 72W for CFL.

MAD · 19-08-2011, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Work Horse

Mercury has always been in all fluorescent lights, this is not a new thing.

But it is timely to warn people about the dangers of mercury.

Incandescent globes contain no mercury.

Mercury is released when fossil fuels are burned to produce electricity.

Incandescent globes use a lot more electricity than energy efficient globes.

Up to 5 times the amount of mercury is released powering an incandescent globe compared to an energy efficient CFL. Including the mercury released during CFL disposal.

The only thing I dont particularly agree with as an argument for CFL is 'Mercury from fossil fuels' argument.
If one breaks in your house, the local concentration of mercury would be much higher than the pollution from the power plant.

fmc351 · 19-08-2011, 11:25 AM

For the amount of money you save on power, Id prefer to stick with the halogens. Lights dont burn that much unless youre running 20 of them, constantly.

People dont think twice about having a few TV's and surround sound systems, but a couple of light globes make em think about the power. I cant be bothered doing the maths, but I think if you never turned a single light on for an entire billing cycle (3 months), you'd probably save $20.

Another thing too, with the no vacuuming part, how the hell do you get the glass out of carpet? Large chunks are easy enough but the few light globes (flouros and old style incandescents) that Ive seen blow apart, the glass can be tiny and almost dust. cant imagine that being good for kiddies either let alone me in bare feet.

ltd · 19-08-2011, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fmc351

For the amount of money you save on power, Id prefer to stick with the halogens. Lights dont burn that much unless youre running 20 of them, constantly.

People dont think twice about having a few TV's and surround sound systems, but a couple of light globes make em think about the power. I cant be bothered doing the maths, but I think if you never turned a single light on for an entire billing cycle (3 months), you'd probably save $20.

Another thing too, with the no vacuuming part, how the hell do you get the glass out of carpet? Large chunks are easy enough but the few light globes (flouros and old style incandescents) that Ive seen blow apart, the glass can be tiny and almost dust. cant imagine that being good for kiddies either let alone me in bare feet.

Apparently you use sticky tape and push it into the carpet, then remove.
I also agree with you and will be getting halogens to replace these energy efficient hazards.