Energy saving bulbs: an emerging threat to public health, from. mercury contamination of the environment

ABSTRACT

Energy saving bulbs are promoted for their efficiency and capacity to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases; the acknowledged cause of global warming and climate change. They however contain varying quantity of mercury that can easily contaminate the environment. Mercury is a neuro-toxin; but damage has also been reported in the kidney; skin and the cardiovascular system. There is therefore an urgent need to emphasize the safe disposal of the energy-saving bulbs as their use increase in Nigeria. Recycling programme should be institutionalized; with the active participation of the manufacturers and importers of the bulbs; while education programme should be mounted on the handling and safe disposal of broken bulbs