by Shelley Nordlund, NWSID Secretary

I attended a lighting seminar, sponsored by Task Lighting that was really (please pardon the pun) enlightening.  Not only was the history of lighting reviewed (129 years ago the first light bulb was lit by Thomas Edison) but we learned about the latest and greatest in the lighting industry. 

There are big and exciting changes coming to the lighting industry.  Currently there are three types of lighting available to us:

• Incandescent (Tungsten filament, halogen and Xenon)
• Fluorescent (tube type, compact/CFL, screw base and GU24 base)
• LEDs 5 mm and solid state

Problems with Various Lighting Sources:

Incandescent lighting's biggest problems were energy efficiency and heat generation.  Period.

Fluorescent lighting's biggest problem is the disposal of any lamp because of its mercury content, which is approximately 4-5 mg. per bulb. Mercury can cause many problems when inhaled, and can affect our brains, spinal cords, kidneys and livers.  Read more at Suite101: The Dark Side of Light Bulbs: Educate Yourself on the Dangers of Using the new CFLs http://www.suite101.com/content/the-dark-side-of-light-bulbs-a24258#ixzz12N3eQVap

I recall this issue when they first came out, but at this session I learned that the amount of mercury in one CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) requires a disposal space that's 4' deep and the size of a football field.  The worst case scenario is that mercury from the many bulbs of which you and I have improperly disposed are leaching into our water systems.  Hmm...I guess we don't have to worry as much about the mercury found in our tuna when we drinking it daily.

            Also, if you break a fluorescent light bulb, instructions are to immediately open the windows in the room, and exit, shutting the door behind you for at least 15 minutes.  Then go in and sweep it up, but do not vacuum as the mercury will then stay in your vacuum cleaner, affecting you continually.  Place the pieces into a disposable plastic container and take it to a recycling center.  In the Seattle area, Bartell Drugs takes CFLs.  Check online for your area's centers.

            Problems with LEDs are that the 5 mm aren't very efficient and are non directional. The solid state type produces heat and (along with the 5 mm variety) vary in color from one lamp to another even when from the same production lot, a problem which intensifies with age.

The Good News:

There are big and exciting changes coming to the lighting industry.  Many of them are so new that their patents are pending. LEDs have been improved yet again, which is the 4^th generation of this most exciting development in lighting.  These new editions are:

• Able to last 50,000 hours
• Energy efficient
• Small in size as needed
• Easy to install
• Used in under cabinet fixtures, interior cabinet fixtures, toe kick / soffit lighting, pendants
• Able to be combined with angle power strips to avoid unsightly placement on walls/backsplashes.
• Able to work with dimmers, GFCI, Maestro IR, Maestro RA, Radio RA
• Able to be used in a damp location in some fixtures

The workshop was excellent, and provided a plethora of information and catalogs of new products available at a variety of price ranges.  Give me a call if your needs include lighting- I'd love to illuminate you as to the newest possibilities!