Eco-friendly LED light bulbs contain hazardous substances, research shows - lead, arsenic, a dozen other potentially hazardous substances

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*Potential Environmental Impacts of Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs):

Metallic Resources, Toxicity, and Hazardous Waste Classification*. /

Environmental Science & Technology/, 2011; 45 (1): 320

open access DOI: 10.1021/es101052q <http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/es101052q>

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LED products billed as eco-friendly contain toxic metals, study finds

UC researchers tested holiday bulbs, traffic lights and car beams

--- Irvine, Calif., February 10, 2011 ---

http://today.uci.edu/news/2011/02/nr_LED_110210.php

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Eco-friendly LED light bulbs contain hazardous substances, research

shows.

<http://www.vancouversun.com/life/friendly%20light%20bulbs%20contain%20hazardous\

%20substances%20research%20shows/4269544/story.html>

Small LED bulbs that are promoted as eco-friendly alternatives to

traditional light bulbs contain high levels of lead, arsenic and a dozen

other potentially hazardous substances that have been linked to various

cancers, a new American study shows.

Researchers at the University of California in Irvine and crushed

LED bulbs from strands of Christmas lights and found that the red ones

had up to eight times the amount of lead allowed under California law,

while the other colours bulbs had even more contaminants. White bulbs

contained the least lead, but they had high levels of nickel, said

researcher Oladele Ogunseitan, chair of the university's department of

population health and disease prevention.

" LEDs are touted as the next generation of lighting. But as we try to

find better products that do not deplete energy resources or contribute

to global warming, we have to be vigilant about the toxicity hazards of

those marketed as replacements, " he said in a statement...

LEDs are not classified as toxic products and there aren't any disposal

regulations, although the scientists now urge consumers to use gloves, a

mask and a broom when they handle broken LED lights. Manufacturers and

emergency crews who clean broken traffic lights should treat the LEDs as

hazardous waste, they said...

~Postmedia News.