Greens call for independent review of light bulb claims

Green Party Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons has called on the Government to commission a review of the evidence of health effects from mercury in CFL lamps, from an independent specialist toxicologist, following the article in this issue of Investigate magazine.

“It is very difficult to assess the claims made, because the article confuses elemental mercury with methyl mercury: ambient air guidelines with single doses: and kilowatts with kilowatt hours.

“It is also very hard to see the connection between a pin-head-sized solid of mercury amalgam and a vapour which is said to contaminate whole houses.

“However, there is no doubt at all that mercury is highly toxic if it is in a form that people can ingest. All the information we have had to date suggests that it almost always isn't. That's why it is important that all the sources referenced by the article are independently assessed by a scientist who is seen as not connected with Government policy.

“New Zealanders need to know that using CFL bulbs will not pose a health risk to themselves and their families. This article raises some concerns, and I feel it only right that these claims are independently reviewed so that the facts are available to everyone.

“One benefit of the lighting performance standard that is proposed to be set is that it can control levels of mercury to the lowest practical level as well as energy performance.”