Mercury in CFL light bulbs not being recycled, escaping to environment

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# Mercury in CFL light bulbs not being recycled, escaping to

environment. <http://bit.ly/dVtx83>

The nation's accelerating shift from incandescent bulbs to a new

generation of energy-efficient lighting is raising an environmental

concern -- the release of tons of mercury every year from compact

fluorescent light bulbs.

The most popular new light -- the curly cue, compact fluorescent light

bulbs, or CFLs -- comprise a quarter of new bulb sales and each contains

up to 5 milligrams of mercury, a potent neurotoxin that's on the

worst-offending list of environmental contaminants.,

Demand for the bulbs is growing as federal and state mandates for

energy-efficient lighting take effect, yet only about 2 percent of

residential consumers recycle them, and one-third of businesses,

according to the Association of Lighting and Mercury Recyclers....

# Contra Costa Times, California