NEMA Voluntarily Reduces Mercury in CFLs, Again

A new voluntary commitment from National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) reduces the maximum mercury content in U.S. residential compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) by a milligram (mg) more than a 2007 commitment. The move became effective in October 2010 and allows 4 mg of mercury per lamp in CFLs of less than 25 watts and 5 mg in CFLs of 25–40 watts. A dozen companies have made the 2010 commitment, and NEMA has made the voluntary program available to all U.S. manufacturers of self-ballasted CFLs. This voluntary reduction supports NEMA’s efforts to reduce the use of hazardous substances in electrical devices. NEMA continues to stress the importance of proper handling and disposal of CFLs. According to NEMA, CFLs with reduced mercury content are as effective and efficient as products with standard mercury concentrations. Based on this commitment, an updated NEMA LL-8 standard is expected soon. For more information visit www.cfl-mercury.org.