This is a hammer
Energy-Saving Light Bulbs Are Safe
BY SAMANTHAMAZZOTTA

Q: I've heard on the news that the energy-saving twisty lights can cause fire. I have a lot of them -- my place can be dark, and I leave them on a lot, and I like them. Should I get rid of all of them, or is it not that serious? They haven't been taken off the market yet. -- Grace from Canada

A: A check of the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission Web site (www.cpsc.gov) showed that while two brands of energysaving, compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) were recalled in 2004, no recalls have been issued recently, and there have been no warnings of such bulbs posing a fire hazard.

An article in "The Green Guide" (www.greenguide.com) discusses the burn marks and melted plastic that some bulb owners have noticed when a CFLburns out. The burns and melting indicate that the burnout took place properly. The way it works is a bit complicated, involving several components of the bulb -- including the ballast (the plastic base) and a built-in resistor that operates like a fuse in a home's circuit box. The resister burns out when the ballast overheats, cutting the electrical circuit and thereby preventing a fire.

However, one should always use common sense around any light source. Use proper lampshades, and keep flammable materials away from the bulbs. When changing a burned-out bulb, turn off the power switch. Also, when installing CFLs, handle them carefully so that the seal between the ballast and glass tubes doesn't crack -- an issue that can shorten the life of the bulb and cause minor smoking on burnout.

Remember that, like most things in life, you get what you pay for. Cheaper bulbs are likely to burn out much sooner than more expensive types, meaning you won't save the money the package claims you will save. Make certain when purchasing a CFLthat the product is Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) certified -- the UL marking should be on the plastic base.

HOME TIP: Fluorescent light bulbs contain small amounts of mercury, so don't throw used bulbs into the trash. Check with your local municipality for household waste disposal guidelines or to find fluorescent light recycling programs nearby.

Send questions or homerepair tips to homeguru2000@ hotmail.com, or write This Is a Hammer, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL32853-6475.

(c) 2007 King Features Synd., Inc.