As schools get ready for next week’s Brigada Eskwela cleanup, repair, and maintenance activities, the environmental and health watchdog group EcoWaste Coalition reminded participants to pick light-emitting diode (LED) lights, as they are more energy efficient, more durable, and do not pose mercury exposure risks.
At the same time, the group drew attention to the need to safely manage busted mercury-containing linear, compact, and circular fluorescent lamps to prevent breakage, which can release mercury in the form of a vapor and pose a risk of inhalation or skin contact.
“We urge our schools to pick certified LED lights as they consume less electricity and have a longer lifespan compared to mercury vapor lights,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition. “Certified products are compliant with the quality and safety standards set by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).”
“By using LED lights, the school sector can help in cutting mercury pollution associated with burning fossil fuels, with the mining and use of mercury in the production of fluorescent lamps, and with the release of toxic mercury vapors when such lights are broken, improperly recycled, or disposed of.”
To enjoy the energy, economic, environmental, and climate benefits of LED lighting solutions, the EcoWaste Coalition urged consumers to reject counterfeit or substandard products and choose those with an Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker or the Philippine Standard (PS) mark, which will indicate that a product has been duly tested and verified for its quality and safety.
For the safe management of busted lamps, the EcoWaste Coalition reminded school authorities to take practical steps to avoid breakage and to contact the municipal or city environment and natural resources office to get the necessary guidance and assistance. “Break not, dump not, burn not busted fluorescents,” the group emphasized.
In Quezon City, for example, mercury-containing lamp waste is categorized as “hazardous,” and residents are required not to mix such waste with typical household waste as per Ordinance No. 2350, series of 2014, or the Quezon City Environment Code.
The ordinance further requires households to bring busted fluorescent lamps and spent batteries to the Barangay Materials Recovery Facility for temporary storage until collected by a city-contracted hazardous waste collector, transporter, or treater. Business and commercial establishments will need to engage the services of DENR-accredited firms for the management of their hazardous wastes.
According to the EcoWaste Coalition-published “The Toxic Silence of the Lamps,” “mercury in lighting products in the form of mercury vapor is released due to breakage during their use or during their handling, storage, and disposal.”
“Inhalation is the typical exposure route for mercury released from lighting products. Dermal contact with the mercury-contaminated phosphor powder that lines fluorescent lamps is another exposure pathway that can impact those who handle broken lamps and can cause the spread of contamination,” the report said, warning that “occupational health risks are generally high for unprotected waste collectors, haulers, and recyclers handling mixed discards in the municipal solid waste stream with bare faces and hands.”
Inhaling mercury vapors released from broken lamps may cause symptoms such as cough, headaches, shortness of breath, lethargy, tremors, increased salivation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, among others.
