(a) whether the Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) are health hazards;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Government has fixed any norms for manufacturing of CFL;
(d) if so, the details thereof and the action taken against those violating the norms; and
(e) the steps taken by the Government for safe disposal of CFL?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a)to (e): Fluorescent lamps, having mercury as a vital component for their functioning, can
cause health related problems, if disposed of indiscriminately at the end of their life. Bureau
of Indian Standards (BIS) has notified standards for safety and performance related
requirements of fluorescent lamps. As per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)’s estimates,
there is an average of 30 mg of mercury in a fluorescent tube light (FTL) and 5 mg of mercury
in a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL), indicating that CFLs are less hazardous than FTLs.
CPCB has issued technical guidelines for environmentally sound mercury management in
fluorescent lamp sector, including CFLs. These guidelines prescribe best practices at various
levels, such as at manufacturer’s level, that include mercury consumption, process technology,
raw mercury distillation, on-site storage, treatment, recycling and disposal of mercury bearing
wastes, mercury spill management; and at consumer’s level which includes handling of
used/broken lamps, consumer awareness pertaining to collection, transport, treatment and
disposal of used fluorescent lamps.