Canada to Phase Out Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs Within the Year Due to Mercury Pollution: Report

The shadow of an incandescent light bulb is seen on a wall behind a Compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) on Jan. 19, 2013 in Ottawa. (The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld)

Canada will phase out compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs)—once believed to be a green alternative to incandescent bulbs—within the year due to concerns of mercury pollution, says the federal Department of Environment.

“Most lamps for general lighting purposes would be prohibited by January 1, 2024,” said the department, referring to compact fluorescent bulbs, in a “Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement,” according to Blacklock’s Reporter.

The department said the year-long delay in phasing the bulbs out will give retailers the time they need to “sell their stock.”

The bulbs each contain about 5 milligrams of mercury—listed as a “highly toxic substance“ by Health Canada, which also acknowledges mercury as the ”only existing element that produces the UV wavelengths needed to make CFLs work.”

“Only a very small amount is used in a CFL, about the amount to cover the tip of a ballpoint pen. There is no risk to your health when the lamps are unbroken,” says a government web page.

“Even when a CFL is broken, there is a very low risk to your health, unless you mishandle it or store it carelessly,” it adds.

The environment department wrote in its impact analysis statement that landfilling of CFLs led to the dumping of about 300 kilograms of mercury every year, which it flagged as unsafe.

The department advised in the statement that Canadians instead use mercury-free lightbulbs going forward, while acknowledging that purchasing LED alternatives to CFLs will cost Canadians a total of $35 million a year.

“The status quo was not considered to be a viable option as this would not reduce the risk of exposure to toxic mercury compounds to the extent feasible,” it said.

Safety

The federal government previously wrote that Health Canada conducted tests on UV radiation and EMF emissions levels from CFLs and found them to be safe.

“The study determined that CFLs, if used as directed, do not currently pose a health hazard to the general population from UV radiations and EMF emission levels,” said a government web page last updated in December 2020.

The same page also said that some individuals had reported adverse health effects from the light emitted by CFLs, such as headaches, eye strain, and depression.

“It may be possible that a small number of people are more sensitive to CFLs as noted above; the majority of people are not,” it said. “Health Canada will continue to review the scientific evidence as it becomes available, and act if any potential risk is found.”

According to Blacklock’s Reporter, the Liberal cabinet in 2003 endorsed an Ottawa-based campaign called “Project Porchlight,” which had as its stated goal to “deliver one free [CFL] to every household in Canada.”

“We’ve seen how putting a light bulb into someone’s hand empowers them. Suddenly, taking action on climate change and rising energy costs is as easy as changing a light bulb,” says Project Porchlight’s website.

Environmentalist David Suzuki also endorsed the campaign.

“We all have a role in protecting the health of our communities and reducing greenhouse gases,” he said. “Project Porchlight is accomplishing both goals—one light bulb at a time.”