Parker Waichman LLP

Compact Fluorescent Lights Pose Fire Risk

Law Firms Are Investigating CFLs Due To A Defect. Law firms including Parker Waichman are investigating a possible new product defect case involving compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). CFLs are fluorescent lights designed to replace incandescent light bulbs, fitting into the fixtures designed for incandescent bulbs. The CFL’s tube is curved or folded to fit into the […]

compact fluorescent lights bulb

Law Firms Are Investigating CFLs Due To A Defect. Law firms including Parker Waichman are investigating a possible new product defect case involving compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).

CFLs are fluorescent lights designed to replace incandescent light bulbs, fitting into the fixtures designed for incandescent bulbs. The CFL’s tube is curved or folded to fit into the space of an incandescent bulb. The CFL bulb has a compact electronic ballast in the base of that regulates electric current to the lamp.

Longer Life and Lower Energy Use

CFLs cost more than incandescent bulbs that give the same amount of light but they use only one-fifth to one-third the electric power, and last eight to fifteen times longer than incandescent bulbs.

CFLs became available in the late 1970s and sales of the bulbs increased steadily through the 1980s.

The issue with CFLs occurs as the bulb ages and degrades. The ballast can overheat, but when this happens, the voltage dependent resistor (VDR) opens, shutting off the circuit. This shut-off generates heat, often creating a small amount of smoke and a burning smell, but the VDR and fire-inhibiting chemicals in the bulb’s housing should prevent a fire hazard. But if the ballast is faulty, the CFL may explode and cause a fire.

In 2011, more than 300,000 compact fluorescent bulbs from Telstar Products were recalled because they could overheat and possibly cause a fire, according to the company and federal authorities. General Electric, Trisonic, and Phillips Lighting also recalled CFLs because of the fire hazard.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said Telstar had received two reports of fires. In one instance, the fire was contained to the light fixture; in the other, the fire spread to the home, Consumer Reports reported. Reports of CFLs overheating and smoking have occurred since the bulbs became common in households. In 2011, the CPSC created a CFL complaint database.

One CFL manufacturer said, “At end of life, one or more of the electronic components inside the self-ballasted lamp no longer functions, which in very rare instances may result in an odor, smoke, or darkening of the plastic enclosure near the base of the bulb.”

Mercury in CFLs a Health Hazard

compact fluorescent lights lampThere is some dispute about how serious the CFL fire risk is. But the health hazards of mercury exposure are well established. CFLs contain mercury, which is released as vapor when the glass tube is broken.

Symptoms of mercury poisoning may include muscle weakness, poor coordination, numbness of hands and feet, rashes, memory problems, trouble speaking, trouble hearing, or trouble seeing. The severity of symptoms depends on dose of mercury and the method and duration of exposure. Exposure in children may result in acrodynia (pink’s disease) in which the skin becomes pink and peels. Long-term complications may include kidney problems and decreased intelligence.

The consumption of fish is the most significant source of ingestion-related mercury exposure in humans, although plants and livestock also contain mercury due to mercury from seawater, freshwater, marine and lake sediments, soils, and atmosphere, and due to ingesting other mercury-containing organisms. Exposure to mercury can occur from breathing contaminated air, from eating foods with mercury residues acquired during processing, from exposure to mercury vapor in mercury amalgam dental fillings, and from improper use or disposal of mercury and mercury-containing objects, for example, improper disposal of fluorescent lamps.

Each CFL contains only a small amount of mercury, but because mercury is so dangerous, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers strict guidelines for how to clean up a mercury spill. The EPA recommends opening windows and doors to air out the room. Heating and air conditioning should be turned off and left off for a few hours.

Vacuuming is not recommended unless broken glass remains after all other cleanup steps have been taken. Vacuuming could spread mercury-containing powder or mercury vapor.

The EPA advises scooping up glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard, then using sticky tape to pick up remaining small glass fragments and powder. Damp paper towels or wet wipes should be used on hard surfaces. All cleanup materials—including the vacuum cleaner bag, if the vacuum has been used—should be placed in a glass jar or sealed plastic bag and disposed of according to local regulations for disposing of mercury containing materials.

Need Legal Help Regarding Compact Fluorescent Lights?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
I would like to thank the Parker Waichman Staff for helping me throughout this journey, Bonita Rollis was exceptionally awesome in guiding me throughout this process. From the beginning she offered hospitality and wished me longevity in my course of healing. We creation a connection, which made it easier for me to understand the process. I explored with questions and she listened with patience and provided recommendations every time we spoke. I have and will always recommend this firm to any of my family and friends.
donna rayside
a year ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I am a 911 first responder.iwas at the end of my rope feeling hopeless ! After speaking with Parker and waickman.i had a paralegal Ashley Lopilato Hanging my case .she was there for me every step of the way .from start To finish.even during my battle with cancer and 3 surgeries.for legal and moral support In my opinion she will make an excellent litagaor one day and be an asset to any firm . We met the other day after countless phone calls .and needless to say she immediately Made me feel like I was in good Hands ! BRAVO Ashley And a special thanks to Gina viti .thank you ladies for always giving me hope And my future to look forward for thanks to you . With my warmest regards Joe ader
joseph ader
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I am glad I chose Parker and Waichman to represent me and couldn't be happier to work with Julie and Maryann. They have been extremely helpful in assisting me and helping me throughout the whole process. They have made this uncomfortable situation feel very comfortable from day one and have been calling me with updates and checking up on me to see how I have been doing. Great Job and THANK YOU to them both.
Edgar Rosario
5 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038