Beware of energy saving light bulbs.

the_devil_made_me_do_it

I haven't a clue what mercury does to the body. My concern was potential fire hazard.

Mindless_Clone

the_devil_made_me_do_it wrote: »

The reason I started this thread was just to make people aware of the potential problems with energy saving lightbulbs. Wasn't expecting sarcastic comments.

It's MSE... one thing I have learnt here is to always expect a sarcastic comment.

adecor wrote: »

I got this email which is very graphic & not for the faint hearted & there is no proof that this is true which is why it appears on hoax slayer

http://www.hoax-slayer.com/mercury-exposure-foot-injury.shtml

That's.... gross!

the_devil_made_me_do_it wrote: »

I haven't a clue what mercury does to the body.

It's a toxin that affects the nerves and causes "madness". Ever heard the term "mad as a hatter"? http://corrosion-doctors.org/Elements-Toxic/Mercury-mad-hatter.htm

To be fair, small amounts in one lightbulb won't cause too much problem but it's worth bearing in mind they should never just be chucked in the normal bin. Dispose of them responsibly by taking to a recycling centre to avoid releasing more mercury into the environment... or else tuna will be off the menu in a few years.

Azari

the_devil_made_me_do_it wrote: »

Wasn't expecting sarcastic comments.

Just be thankful you didn't get the Spanish Inquisition.

maninthestreet

OP - would you like to tell us what make the lighbulb was? Telling us to avoid all energy saving lightbulbs because one of yours almost caugh fire is like telling us to avoid all cars becuase yours almost caught fire.

Azari

maninthestreet wrote: »

OP - would you like to tell us what make the lighbulb was?

Here you go:

the_devil_made_me_do_it wrote: »

Also, I'm not saying ALL energy saving bulbs are a danger, just warning people that this can happen.

The make of the bulb is GEC & I also have megaman bulbs in my lamps. I bought it from the local B & Q. It's difficult to say whether all the energy saving bulbs I have in my house are problematic, because it's the front room bulb that gets the most use.

Take_it_like_a_man,_sonny

Alas, one could end up as Mad as a Hatter

Mistral001

the_devil_made_me_do_it wrote: »

The light fitting itself is safe. Wasn't too long ago my home underwent a full re-wire.



The make of the bulb is GEC & I also have megaman bulbs in my lamps. I bought it from the local B & Q. It's difficult to say whether all the energy saving bulbs I have in my house are problematic, because it's the front room bulb that gets the most use.

.

Perhaps you need to inform B&Q and/or GEC. Both are big and reputable companies who I am sure would like to know about something like this happening to one of their lightbulbs. Take it back to them. Not with a view to get compensated, but to let them investigate whether there is a bad batch which needs to be recalled or even something completely faulty with the whole design of that particular model.

the_devil_made_me_do_it

I'm not telling anyone to avoid ALL energy saving light bulbs, just saying that there is a potential danger.

Tis up to you whether you take on board what I said or not.

Mindless_Clone

Take_it_like_a_man,_sonny wrote: »

Alas, one could end up as Mad as a Hatter

Indeed.

Thanks OP, I will keep a careful eye out for smoking lightbulbs and when that day comes I shall futterwacken... vigorously.

timdf911

I've changed all my light bulbs from CFL to LED and couldn't be happier.
I have a total of 53 lights in my house - so changing over wasn't cheap, but a long term investment.
I tried a few different brands of GU10 LED lights before settling on a 6 watt device with 3 LEDs and a 60 degree angle. Seems to put out more or less the same light as a 50 watt halogen and the colour temp is pretty pleasing as well. Had them running for 6 months now, no failures and a marked drop in my electricity bill !