Compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs)

The most eco-friendly lighting

In the Québec energy context, CFLs are always the best option for 84% of households, from an environmental point of view. Those are the conclusions of a 2008 study done for Hydro-Québec by the Interuniversity Research Centre for the Life Cycle of Products, Processes and Services (CIRAIG).

Another life-cycle analysis done in November 2009 by the German manufacturer OSRAM has also confirmed that CFLs are more environmentally friendly than ordinary bulbs, when production of materials, manufacturing, transportation, use and end-of-life management are all considered.

What about mercury?

A CFL contains roughly 3 mg of mercury, which is 20% of the amount in a watch battery and only 1% of the amount in an old-style thermometer. And as long as the bulb is not broken, no mercury is released, and according to Health Canada, the risk to health if it does break is very low.

It is recommended that old CFLs be dropped off at municipal collection centres or sales outlets such as Rona or Home Depot to ensure their safe recycling and recovery.

What about the magnetic field?

Whether you use an electric razor, a computer or a CFL, you're exposed to electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) of various frequencies, which are found throughout our environment.

Even when you're right next to a CFL, you're exposed to a much weaker EMF than from other electrical devices.