CFL bulbs are cheaper than LED
bulbs, but they cannot be dimmed, and it may take some time after switching
them on for them to become fully bright. Similarly, CFL bulbs may not turn on
or reach full brightness in very cold climates, making them less suitable for
outdoor lighting. LED bulbs last longer and are more energy efficient. While
LED bulbs do not contain mercury, making them easier to dispose of than CFLs,
they often contain other elements that can be harmful to the environment.
# CFLs generate light by sending an electrical discharge through a
tube containing argon and a small amount of mercury vapor. This generates UV
light that excites a fluorescent coating or phosphor inside of the tube,
resulting in the emission of visible light.
# A light emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor light source,
where illumination is generated with movement of electrons through the
semiconductor material. Unlike CFL and incandescent bulbs, which emit light
and heat in all directions, an LED only emits light
in a specific direction. This directness allows for more efficient light and
energy use.
# CFL and LED bulbs use up to 80 percent less
energy than their incandescent counterparts and can last up to 25 times longer.
# The CFL bulb is known to reduce replacement costs and is an energy
saver. However, its average life span is much less than that of an LED bulb.
Further, CFLs have flickering problems and a shorter life if it’s switched on
and off frequently. The switching process typically takes some time to
complete, which is why CFLs take longer than other lights to become fully lit.
These bulbs also require optimum temperatures to work; they are known to
function under capacity when switched on in lower temperatures.
# LEDs have a number of advantages over CFLs, including lower power consumption, longer lifetimes, and no toxic mercury use.
LEDs also produce smaller amounts of heat than CFLs. Typical LEDs release its
heat back into a heat sink, making the LED bulb cool to the touch.
# Compared to a 60-watt incandescent light bulb
which draws more than $300 worth of electricity per year and provides about 800
lumens of light, both bulbs save significantly more energy. A CFL uses less
than 15 watts and costs only about 75 dollars of electricity per
year. LED bulbs emit similar output and draw less than 8 watts of power, with
annual costs near 30 dollars, and last 50,000 hours, possibly more.
# The CFL bulb in saving
energy is beneficial to the environment. However, its containing mercury may
also harm the environment. With disposal of the CFL bulbs, its mercury content
can evaporate and cause air and water pollution. Mercury is also a neurotoxin
that can have a harmful effect on humans, especially infants.
# A new study from UC Irvine
and UC Davis scientists researched
residue from various pulverized multicolored LED lights. Chemical content
analysis showed low-intensity red LEDs contained up to eight times the amount
of lead allowed under California law. The bulbs were further found to contain
nickel, arsenic, copper, and other metals. UC Irvine’s Oladele Ogunseitan said
that breaking one bulb and breathing its fumes would not automatically cause
anyone harm, but can lead to possible issues for one regularly exposed to
another carcinogen.
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