Washington's War on Edison's Bulb Highlights Unintended Consequences

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Human Events:

WASHINGTON, D.C.--With its traffic circles and tree-lined squares, America's capital sometimes resembles a magical, otherworldly place. Maybe that's why so many who govern here think that they can wave their legislative wands and unleash beauty free of costs and complications.

Of course, reality rarely cooperates.

Consider Washington's still-unfolding ban on Thomas Alva Edisons incandescent light bulb. If left unchallenged, January 1 will herald stricter standards that Congress specifically designed in 2007 to electrocute Edisons invention and dragoon Americans into using more energy-efficient alternatives.

Courtesy of our federal masters, Americans are enduring a parade of unforeseen consequences as the experts try to extinguish this landmark contribution to humanity.

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs), which Washington hopes will replace incandescents, brighten slowly, function poorly with dimmer knobs, and emit a color of light that many find unappealing. Even worse, according to EnergyStar.gov, each CFL contains 4 milligrams of toxic mercury. An average CFL includes enough mercury to pollute 528 gallons of water, which would fill 10.5 typical, 50-gallon residential water heaters.

As the EPA warns, High exposures to inorganic mercury may result in damage to the gastrointestinal tract, the nervous system, and the kidneys.

Breaking a CFL triggers a significant health hazard that requires a 10-step clean-up. Among other things, EPA recommends opening a window or door to the outdoor environment. No problem unless you occupy an apartment, hotel room, or office with sealed windows.