Politicians and Light Bulbs

I know what you’re thinking; politicians and light bulbs? That’s an oxymoron. I thought the same thing when I heard this one. It’s back in the news because the date the incandescent light bulb goes out is rapidly approaching.
Congress passed an energy bill which controls the type of light bulbs all Americans must use by the year 2014. It bans the use of the incandescent light bulb and requires the use of those squiggly fluorescent bulbs. I know what you’re thinking again; that’s not so bad….they’re energy saving and that’s good, right?
In addressing the House of Representatives, Rep. Ted Poe of Texas noted that there was nothing in the Constitution that allows the government to control the type of light bulbs Americans use. Other than the lack of constitutional authority, Rep. Poe goes on to say, “These light bulbs contain mercury. So, they have to be disposed of in a certain way. According to EPA rules, you are supposed to take them to a local recycling center.”
Again, that’s not so bad, right? Recycling is good. He goes on to say, “Thanks to Congress, nothing is easy. If you throw them away at home you are supposed to seal them in two plastic bags and place them in the outside trash. Otherwise, the bulb may break and pollute the landfill, of all things. These bulbs are made of glass so they are fragile. If one breaks it or drops it you have to follow simple rules thanks to Congress. And according to the EPA, here’s what you do if you break one of these light bulbs. And I quote, ‘Have people and pets leave the room and don’t let anyone walk through the area. They must evacuate the room. Open a window and leave the room for fifteen minutes or more. Shut off the central heating and air conditioning system. Carefully scoop up glass fragments and powder with stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a glass jar with a metal lid.’ Obviously that’s readily available. I continue, ‘Use sticky tape such as duct tape to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder. Wipe the area clean with a damp paper towel or disposable wet wipes and place them in the glass jar. Do not use a vacuum or a broom.’”
He continues, “If you break one of these light bulbs in a high-rise where the windows don’t open, will the EPA police haul us off to jail because of improper disposal procedures? If we dropped one of these light bulbs we would have to evacuate the House of Representatives according to the EPA light bulb law.”
The warnings on these light bulbs say that they may cause interference to radios, televisions, wireless telephones, and remote controls. They are also ONLY made in China. So, not only are they only made in China but they contain mercury. Let’s see……another product that we don’t produce that we will rely on….and they contain mercury….which is obviously not good for the environment….but is still legal to stick in teeth. I am not aware of any warnings on the packaging of amalgam (silver) filling material and this contains 50% mercury. I will discuss more about that next week.
Thank God for politicians.