Soliclima news
The other side of energy efficiency lightbulbs
An enormous demand for energy efficient lightbulbs is starting to be seen around the world due to the prohibition of the use of incandescent lightbulbs and that has led many Chinese entrepreneurs to manufacture them. China is quickly becoming the world's warehouse, but, the conditions under which their workers live, do not resemble at all those of the western world and hundreds of workers who manufacture these lightbulbs, have been hospitalized due to mercury exposure.
Undoubtedly, energy efficient lightbulbs have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions dramaticaly. In England, for example, the atmosphere will be saved 5 million tons of carbon dioxide per year because of these bulbs.
But, using these bulbs, many of them from China, also has another side. Inside of them there is mercury, a substance highly polluting and toxic to the human body. Therefore, it is essential that the bulbs are subject to a strict regime of control over its manufacturing process and, its recycling once discarded, is ensured.
The problem in China, its biggest producer, is that its manufacturing process is not subject to the same quality controls as in Europe or the U.S., where these type of bulbs are used the most. In fact, Chinese factories tend to have very poor working conditions and hundreds of Chinese workers are subjected, during their working hours, to high concentrations of mercury. In fact, some of them reach a concentration of mercury 150 times higher than what´s accepted. Western consumers are unaware of the conditions in which the bulbs are produced, of which, incidentally, the Spanish government has already bought several hundred thousand with the intention of giving them to the population.
Ironically, it is in China where the ill effects of mercury have been known for over two thousand years. The legend says that the first Chinese emperor, Qin, died after ingesting a pill with mercury and jade, thinking that would give him eternal life.
But, using these bulbs, many of them from China, also has another side. Inside of them there is mercury, a substance highly polluting and toxic to the human body. Therefore, it is essential that the bulbs are subject to a strict regime of control over its manufacturing process and, its recycling once discarded, is ensured.
The problem in China, its biggest producer, is that its manufacturing process is not subject to the same quality controls as in Europe or the U.S., where these type of bulbs are used the most. In fact, Chinese factories tend to have very poor working conditions and hundreds of Chinese workers are subjected, during their working hours, to high concentrations of mercury. In fact, some of them reach a concentration of mercury 150 times higher than what´s accepted. Western consumers are unaware of the conditions in which the bulbs are produced, of which, incidentally, the Spanish government has already bought several hundred thousand with the intention of giving them to the population.
Ironically, it is in China where the ill effects of mercury have been known for over two thousand years. The legend says that the first Chinese emperor, Qin, died after ingesting a pill with mercury and jade, thinking that would give him eternal life.
