The Editor, Sir:
The article on mercury by Dr. Vendryes was very interesting and had important information. One small point needs further clarification.
All fluorescent lamps contain small amounts of mercury. They need the mercury to operate. However, the improved efficiency over incandescent lamps saves significant amounts of mercury from being emitted to the atmosphere by power plants burning coal. The amount saved is greater than the amount in the lamps. So in the case of fluorescent lamps the mercury in the lamps saves the atmosphere from larger amounts.
Some fluorescents have less
mercury than others. Purchasers should ask for and get the lowest
mercury lamps available.
Fluorescent lamps should be recycled to recover the mercury and not sent to local landfills where breakage will release some of the mercury contained.
I am, etc.,
PAUL WALISTSKY
walitsky@industriale
cologyllc.com
13 Republic row
Somerset, New Jersey
Via Go-Jamaica
