Greens call for independent review after magazine's claims about the dangers of eco-bulbs

Email
Print

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:00a.m.

Green co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons

Green co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons

The Green Party wants swift action into claims a magazine has made about the potential dangers of energy efficient light bulbs.

Investigate magazine published an article about the dangers of mercury levels in the light bulbs that Labour and the Greens want to be the public's only option.

They are looking to ban ordinary incandescent light bulbs if successful in this year's election.

The article claims the energy efficient bulbs have major safety implications for children and pregnant women.

Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons wants an independent review.

RadioLIVE

Become a fan of 3 News on Facebook and on Twitter.

Post a Comment

Before commenting, please take the time to read our moderation guide


(Won't be published)



Comments

22 Jul 2008 05:15p.m.

Alex wrote:

Mercury's dangerous if you eat it in rather large quantities - which you'd have to be pretty stupid to do. So unless you're really, really stupid and plan on eating your light bulbs, you don't have anything to worry about.

22 Jul 2008 01:56p.m.

Erin wrote:

About time the Government looked at these supposed Eco Bulbs which contain mercury. The Government haven't provided any guidance about their disposal as they can't be recycled and can't be placed in our landfills because of their mercury content. You'd have thought the Greens would have considered this major problem before wanting to make them compulsory. They may save energy at one end - but what is the energy use required to dispose of them safely? I have my old used Eco Bulbs in a box but don't know how to dispose of them safely without affecting the environment - perhaps the Greens can tell us. The mercury content is written on the packet so what's the need for an expensive investigation? We already know mercury is highly toxic.