Mercury
Mercury is a poisonous metal. It affects the nervous system adversely after prolonged exposure to a significant concentration. However, minute amounts of mercury are necessary for efficient discharge lamps. The mercury is contained in the glass bulb of the lamp and can not escape into the environment unless the glass is damaged. To obtain the maximum environmental benefit from these energy saving lamps, OSRAM follows a multi-part strategy: Reduce the mercury contained in our lamps to the lowest technically necessary levels, recycle lamps all over the world, and inform the public about mercury.
Why Mercury?
A fluorescent lamp consists of a glass tube, a gas filling, electrodes and a phosphor layer (see figure below). After the necessary operational voltage is applied to the two electrodes of the lamp, a gas discharge between the electrodes is established. Experiments have shown that the best choice for the gas filling is not a regular gas or a gas mixture, but mercury.
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Reducing Mercury
OSRAM aims to reduce the mercury content of all our products to the lowest amount technically possible. We have done that in the past and we are putting our efforts to further reduction. OSRAM follows a ‘No Step Backwards’ policy, which in this context prohibits increases in hazardous contents in lamp development.
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Recycling of Mercury
Recycling is essential for lamps containing mercury. Consequently, OSRAM has started recycling activities in Europe and other parts of the world in cooperation with other stakeholders.
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What to Know about Mercury
Mercury has moved into the public focus in the last few years following the discussion on replacing inefficient incandescent lamps with compact fluorescent lamps, which contain small amounts of mercury. But although it sounds paradox, using discharge lamps actually saves mercury in most parts of the world. This and other interesting facts on mercury.
How to Clean a Broken Lamp
The only time you as a consumer may be exposed to mercury is if the glass of the lamp is broken. If this happens, follow these rules to minimize your exposure:
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