Recent ban on incandescent light bulbs not yet in full effect

January 15, 2014 · 0 Comments

There are exceptions to every rule, including the recent ban on incandescent light bulbs that kicked in January 1.

Talk of the new standards for having only energy efficient lighting options available on the market has had people buzzing, but the shift is nothing new. In fact, the decision to eliminate incandescent light bulbs was made in 2008.

But by November 2011 the Government of Canada decided to extend the timeline, allowing more time for the market to prepare for any changes the new standards would bring, as well as provide some time for new innovations that could provide more options for consumers. The delay was also intended as a chance for consumers to get used to other lighting options.

The energy efficient options must use 28 per cent less electricity than traditional bulbs to meet standards.

As of January 1, 2014 100 watt and 75 watt incandescent light bulbs can no longer be manufactured. However, any manufactured prior to January 1 can be distributed and sold in Canada, so you may still see those bulbs on store shelves for some time.

Lower wattage bulbs will not be effected until the end of the year. 60 watt and 40 watt incandescent bulbs will be phased out as of December 31, 2014, at which time the new standards will apply to those lower wattages as well, and manufacturing more of the products will be prohibited. 60 watt and 40 watt bulbs are most commonly found in households.

The United States government implemented these same standards for energy efficient lighting in 2012. By the end of this year Canada and U.S. standards will be the same.

Natural Resources Canada says the reason for these new standards are an attempt at cutting back on the amount of energy used, therefore reducing greenhouse gas emissions and smog, as well as saving Canadians money. Their website states that Canadians spent $163 billion on energy in 2010.

But perhaps the biggest concern among consumers is the higher cost of energy efficient bulbs, as compared to the incandescent bulbs. Natural Resources Canada says lighting accounts for 10 per cent of electricity use in the home. Energy efficient bulbs last as long or longer than traditional bulbs, their website states, and uses less electricity, both factors that would save money long term.

Currently there are three kinds of energy efficient light bulbs available on the market, CFL (compact fluorescent lamps), LED (light emitting diodes) and halogen.

However, some incandescent bulbs do not have an energy efficient counter part and will not be subject to the new standards. The most common exempted include oven and appliance lights, decorative lamps, chandeliers and utility bulbs.

Utility bulbs, also known as rough service bulbs are similar to traditional bulbs but are more robust, meant to sustain vibrations. They are typically used in barns, garages and workplaces, and are still for sale as normal.

A full list of exemptions can be found on the website for Natural Resources Canada, at www.nrcan.gc.ca.

There are also health concerns with the fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) which do contain mercury.

“One type of efficient light bulb, the CFL, does have a small amount of mercury – less than would fit on the tip of a pen,” states the Natural Resources Canada website.

As with batteries and thermometers, there is no risk of exposure if the bulb is not broken. But exposure to mercury can have adverse effects, and even small amounts must be treated with care.

“At higher concentrations, mercury vapour can cause damage to the mouth, respiratory tract and lungs, and can lead to death from respiratory failure,” reads the Health Canada website.

“There is no risk to your health when the lamps are unbroken,” states the Government of Canada website. “Even when a CFL is broken, there is very low risk to your health, unless you mishandle it or store it carelessly.”

But there are careful cleanup instructions on Environment Canada’s website to protect people.

Apart from health concerns in the home, concern has been raised for the potential damage to the environment if these bulbs are not disposed of properly. Because of the mercury content, CFL bulbs are considered hazardous waste, and cannot go out with household trash. Instead, they must be disposed of at a hazardous waste depot.

As for cleaning up broken bulbs, use caution and follow the careful instructions provided by Environment Canada.

When a bulb breaks, leave the room immediately and let it ventilate for at least 15 minutes before cleaning, opening windows to the outdoors if possible. Wear disposable gloves and scoop up bigger pieces using two pieces of cardboard or stiff paper. Do not use a vacuum, it will spread the mercury vapour. Do not use a broom. Use duct tape or masking tape to pick up powder and fine glass. Wipe the area with a damp paper towel and place all broken glass an cleanup materials in an air tight container to minimize the release of mercury vapour. Put the container outside right away and dispose of at your nearest hazardous waste location as soon as possible.

With CFLs, another concern is the ultraviolet rays from the bulbs. A fact sheet published in 2012 by Natural Resource Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency says those UV emissions are not a likely health risk for most of the population, but could be for some health disorders or skin conditions that make people sensitive to UV rays.

Low UV CFLs are available as an option, but to further reduce the risk they suggest covering bulbs with a lamp shade, keeping at least 30 cm away from uncovered bulbs and keep close exposure to a maximum of three hours at a time.

Natural Resources Canada’s website states that efficient lighting lowers mercury levels that result from power production.

There are also energy efficient bulbs that do not contain mercury, so consumers can decide which bulb they feel most comfortable with in their homes.

Barrie’s Household Hazardous Waste Depot is free to Barrie and Simcoe County residents and is open Saturday’s from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Depot is located at the Barrie Landfill Site at 272 Ferndale Drive North, Barrie.

By Emily Wood

CAREFUL WITH THE CLEANUP – CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) are one of three current bulbs offered as an energy efficient alternative to the traditional incandescent bulbs. Fluorescent bulbs, not always in the spiral shape, contain a small amount of mercury. The Government of Canada website states there is no health risk unless the bulbs are broken, and specific cleanup instructions for broken bulbs are available on their website to minimize risk.