Posts Tagged ‘Mercury’

Going Green Replacing Energy Wasting, Mercury Hazard, T8 Fluorescent Tube Lights

Energy-efficient T8/bi-pin LED lighting tubes are the latest fluorescent-replacement LED lighting products LEDtronics® announces in its green-technology lineup. The series LED48T8-288-001W bi-pin LED fits into standard G13 bases and is designed to directly replace conventional T8 fluorescent tubes that provide general lighting for commercial, residential and architectural lighting applications. The 48″ long white tubes provide the equivalent light output of 24 to 32-watt fluorescent lamps while consuming less than a maximum of 19 watts. In addition, the LED48T8 tubes run on a wide voltage range of 100 to 290 volts AC.

When it comes to rated life, the LEDtronics series LED48T8 really shines. While conventional fluorescent lamps typically have a rated life in the range 8,000 to 24,000 hours, the LED48T8 lamps boast an operating life of 50,000 hours and more — 5.7 years of continuous light. Furthermore, since the LED lights produce so little wasted heat, the temperature inside the fixture does not build up as it does with conventional fluorescent tubes. The sturdy construction of a UV-resistant polycarbonate housing over the LED tube provides increased protection (no glass to break) and shielding against many environmental effects, allowing them to be placed in locations where typical lights would be more vulnerable to the elements. In addition, LEDs perform well in temperatures from -35C° to +45C°, making them ideal for applications subject to frequent on-off cycling, such as garages and basements, while the aluminum back cover helps with better heat dissipation and a longer lifetime for the LEDs.

The LEDtronics LED48T8 lights deliver up to 1,342 lumens at a color temperature of 5000K (pure daylight white) and 1,072 lumens at a color temperature of 3000K (warm white), compared to the average 810 lumens for equivalent conventional fluorescent tubes. They provide a brightness of up to 429 maximum foot candela across a 114-degree beam pattern, with an impressive CRI of 80.

Other benefits of LEDs over fluorescents include: Quick and easy installation to minimize retrofit costs; no ballast and starter needed, thus no radio frequency to interfere with radio and television signals; instant, full-strength lightup; no buzzing or flickering; and directional distribution of light—good for interior task lighting.

Solid-state design renders LEDs impervious to shock, vibration, frequent switching and environmental extremes. Savings from reduced maintenance costs and downtime quickly return the capital investment expenditure, making them as friendly to the environment as they are to the operating budget. The positive environmental impacts of LED lights additionally come from the consistent, reduced power consumption, long service life, high-quality light, and cold temperature operation, with the corresponding reduction in greenhouse gases and the reduced waste from fewer replacements. Unlike conventional fluorescent bulbs, LED lights are not disposed of as hazardous waste at end of life.

The LEDtronics LED48T8 tubes comply with RoHS—the lead-free and mercury-free directive, as well as the CE safety assurance. They emit no infrared or ultraviolet radiation, and effectively reduce light pollution, being compatible with the international “dark skies” initiative.

The LED48T8-288-001W Premium 4-ft (1200mm) Tube Lights come in two colors: Warm White (SIW) and Pure Daylight White (TPW). Other viewing angles, tube lengths and a variety of LED colors are available for OEM customers. Large-quantity discounts are available for qualified distributors. Availability is stock to 6 weeks.

About LEDtronics®
Founded in 1983, LEDtronics leads where others only follow when it comes to designing, manufacturing and packaging state-of-the-art LEDs to meet the world’s constantly changing lighting needs. Our inventive product line encompasses an array of direct incandescent lamp replacement Based LEDs, low-cost snap-in and relampable Panel Mount LEDs, high intensity sunlight-visible Discrete LEDs, PCB LEDs circuit board status indicators, surface mount diodes SMT LEDs, full-spectrum rainbow RGB LEDs and Infra-Red (IR) LEDs.

Mercury in Fluorescent Light Bulbs May Harm Health

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are in because they’re green but should be taken out immediately when broken because they have quicksilver.

Mercury is the element that enables CFLs to emit white light.  Just like the tube lights of old, they have about five milligrams of quicksilver. This is minute compared to what’s in thermostat switches that have as much as 3,000 milligrams of mercury, which is like having 600 CFLs in one place.  Unlike the case for thermostat switches, thermometers and some automotive parts in which mercury use is being phased out, this cannot be done as yet for CFLs because no better technology is in place.

But why must we be careful about broken CFLs? When the bulb is broken, the mercury is released as a vapor and as a fine powder. This poses a health risk to both humans and animals because mercury is also highly toxic. It has been linked to brain damage in both fetuses and children.  In one documented case, it was learned that severe rashes and weight loss of a 23-month-old baby resulted from its exposure to mercury from a series of 2.4-meter tube lights that broke in the play area. Exposure to mercury is harmful to adults as well, leading to a range of diseases from Alzheimer’s to depression.

Authorities have outlined the steps to take when a light bulb breaks.  First of all, it is important for people and pets to leave the area right away. You must also immediately ventilate the area by opening doors and windows, and prevent circulation of the fumes by turning off the heater.

Wait about 15 minutes before you start cleaning up the area. To do that, make sure to wear gloves because contact with the heavy metal is harmful.  Do not use the vacuum cleaner or a broom to clean up. Instead, use cardboard or stiff paper to pick up the larger fragments. For the smaller fragments, it is best to use duct tape. When this is done, use wet cloth or paper towel to wipe out any trace of the broken bulb.

Care must also be taken with disposal. Use a sealable plastic bag for the broken bulb and then take it out of the house right away as plastics cannot keep mercury fumes in. For best results, use a glass jar with a metal lid.  Although authorities say the health risk is low when fluorescents end up in landfills, it is illegal in many areas to dispose light bulbs with your everyday trash. Your options include municipal waste facilities and some vendors that accept CFLs as part of their recycling program. IKEA takes these in its stores at no cost. You may also check out the EPA website or Earth 911 to find a collection site near you.