Hidden cost of energy-saving bulbs

Many readers, especially eco warriors, would have been very pleased to read in Thursday's edition of The Times that, finally, the energy-efficient light bulbs (EELs) were shortly due to be distributed to homes in Malta. Hurrah, we shall all be doing our bit to save the planet. We have been told that countless tons of carbon emissions will be eliminated.

But... does anyone realise the real cost to humans and the environment of the production of these bulbs? They are mostly made in China and workers labour, in many cases, under the most appalling conditions to cater to the demand produced by the European Union Directive making EELs compulsory in 2012. During mining and production, workers are exposed to mercury which accumulates in the body and can result in poisoning, causing severe, debilitating illnesses affecting the nervous system, kidneys, lungs and unborn babies.

Well aware of the risks posed by exposure to mercury, the British government advises that in the event of a fluorescent light bulb being broken in the home, the room should be cleared for 15 minutes because of the danger of inhaling mercury vapour. One can well imagine then how hazardous exposure to mercury on a daily basis can be. China is also paying a heavy price in terms of the environment to produce these "green" light bulbs, especially in factories where there is little or no regulation governing safe production to protect the health of miners who supply the mercury and factory workers.

Anyone who is interested in further information should visit this site: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6211261.ece .