Energy saving bulbs, injurious to human health – Expert

An electronic waste expert  and founder, E-waste Relief Foundation, Dr Ifeanyi Ochonogor, has cautioned Nigerians on usage and disposal of energy conserving bulbs, saying they contain several carcinogenic chemicals which are injurious to human health.

Ochonogor, who spoke in an interview in Lagos recently, said a lot of scientific studies had been performed on mercury in the Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFLs).

 CFLs is popularly known as energy conserving bulbs.

“Mercury from CFLs can cause cancer and various diseases. When you break CFLs, an explosion of toxic chemicals ensue and mercury is the last thing anybody wants to inhale.

“CFLs also cause lethargy, headaches and dizziness. We need to be watchful of what we buy, use and consume,” Ochonogor warned.

He said CFLs were widespread on the African continent due to lack of awareness.

Quoting a foreign publication, Daily Mail, he said some German scientists claimed that several carcinogenic chemicals and toxins were released when CFLs were switched on including: Phenol, Nepthalene, Styrene, and Mercury vapour.

Ochonogor,  who is also the Chief Executive Officer of E-Terra, said improper disposal of CFLs and the possibilities of spreading the mercury and contaminated glass, were another major challenge.

According to him, broken CFLs pieces are usually thrown away in the dustbins or trash cans, thus poisoning the ecosystem.

Pointed out that there was need to proffer possible strategic solutions toward the usage and safe disposal of energy saving light bulbs due to the mercury in it.

The expert said in the first quarter of 2019 a solution to the light bulb problem was developed by investing so much to protect children and our future.

He said the foundation was ready to collaborate with the governments at all levels and corporate bodies toward proffering lasting solutions through massive and aggressive campaigns for proper sorting of hazardous variations of waste.

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