CFL bulbs not dangerous, says industry officials
Fears that CFL bulbs, if it is broken, emits a poisonous gas, are unfounded, according to industry officials.
Rahaman Zubair, Director/CEO, Hayleys Electronics and Lighting (Pvt) Ltd while saying CFL bulbs are not harmful, noted that what is more harmful is the UV radiation. He was responding to a query from the Business Times (BT) on these perceived concerns, on the sidelines of a media briefing titled ‘Saving Electricity -A Public Awareness Initiative’ in Colombo this week.
He said that the CFL bulbs manufactured by Philips and marketed by Hayleys, has created a UV radiation within the bulb which is then converted into light. UV radiation, he said can cause health hazards if it passes through the bulb surface without turning into visible light.
At this media briefing, the company launched a booklet titled ‘Save Electricity – Save Money’ which offers tips on how to cut costs on electricity, as a part of its Corporate Social Responsibility.
Sarath Ganegoda, company Managing Director, during the media briefing said that this public awareness campaign to save electricity was initiated with Philips Lighting – a globally reputed brand. He said that Philips is committed to green technologies that are meaningful and innovative and help people to be healthy and enjoy life. He expressed the hope that this booklet would contribute towards the above endeavours.
Mr. Zubair said that electricity saving has a two-way benefit – reduction of expenditure and the reduction in the use of hydro power – while fossil fuel saves the nature, saves lives. He said that as a service to the public the booklet would be distributed among the household free of charge. Simple ways could be employed to conserve electricity. He said that there are simple but smart ways that could be used to cut down unnecessary electricity consumption.
He said that there is an urgent need to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and Philips highlights the opportunity for emission reduction by switching to energy efficient lighting by 2020. Philips predicts that 30 per cent less energy will be used for lighting compared to 2006.