Environmentalists pushing dangerous products

[Jamie (K)]

Not long ago, the environmentalist lobby convinced the US Congress to pass a law stopping the use of traditional incandescent light bulbs and forcing everyone to use compact fluorescent bulbs. The compact fluorescent bulbs are supposed to last years longer, use less electricity, and "save the environment".

However, many people (like me) are finding out that these "eco friendly" compact fluorescent bulbs often burn out as fast as old-fashioned bulbs.

In addition, if a compact fluorescent bulb breaks, it is very dangerous to human beings, posing a threat of mercury poisoning, among other things. In this case, they are especially hazardous to children and pregnant women. The government even has complicated restrictions for disposing of these bulbs, because they're so dangerous.

Beyond that, the new bulbs are too expensive for many poor people to afford, and it appears that none of them are made in the US, so the law would eliminate the light bulb industry in the US, and all bulbs for home use would be imported.

This is a perfect example of the "Law of Unintended Consequences". Environmentalists and Congress pass a regulation requiring a certain type of light bulb that's "safer" for the environment, but no one considered its hazards to people.

[NinaZara]

It is only hazardous if it breaks before its lifespan. And the mercury is lost through out the lamp's life. The reason why they burn out as fast as the old ones is because the dose of mercury is now reduced, because of concerned enviromentalists.

[Torsten]

Hi Jamie,

What do you think of those xenon headlight bulbs in cars? I think they have an amazing lifespan and are much more economical than conventional ones. I've been told that xenon bulbs usually outlive the car.

TOEIC listening, talks: TV weather report and forecast in early fall

[Jamie (K)]

[NinaZara]

Brighter?