Congratulations to Professor Howard Brandston for his efforts to save the incandescent light bulb from the "misguided energy conservation effort" created by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which mandates phasing out the bulbs in favor of compact fluorescent lamps.
Your story "Shining light on bulbs' appeal," Nov. 19, mentions in passing the mercury hazard posed by CFLs. Your readers should look at the Environmental Protection Agency's sobering message on the hazards of CFLs and its instructions on cleaning up after a CFL breaks.
Here's a synopsis: Before cleanup, the EPA instructs to clear the room of people and pets then shut off central forced air and air out the room for five to 10 minutes.
It is strongly advised during cleanup to not use the vacuum, to scoop up glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard and to then use sticky tape to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder.
Then, used tape should go in a glass jar or plastic bag and all cleaned up materials should go in a sealable container. The EPA then advises to promptly place all bulb debris and cleanup materials outdoors in a trash container or protected area until materials can be disposed.
I use no CFLs indoors and like Professor Brandston have laid in a lifetime supply of incandescent bulbs. Maybe saner heads will prevail before the 2020 phaseout deadline.
RICHARD MCMAHAN
Schenectady