CFL Bulbs have been shoved down the throats of US consumers by federal law. Why on earth to they insist on us using a mercury filled bulb in our homes. It’s one thing to use in commercial buildings and schools as those types have been tested over the years and seldom fail with dangerous consequences.

Yesterday a CFL bulb from Lowes (Bright Effects Brand) started getting dim and flickered a tiny bit. Later towards evening when I entered the bedroom there was a strange pungent almost acidic smell like chlorine in the room. Michelle said the light had made a hissing noise and went out. A multi-year bulb going out after just a year. I imagine that smell had something to do with the Mercury in the bulb escaping from the looks of it.

Just 2 years ago I wrote of another one in our home popping and it shot sparks upwards like a sparkler on July 4th. Had it been close to flammable curtains and I not been there it might have been tragic.

Here are the pictures of the one last night. This light was in an open ventilated standing lamp. The bulb is UL approved and sold my Lowe’s Home Improvement Stores. It was pointing upwards so there was no build up of heat.

I think I am going to look into LED lighting to see if it is safer. My advice just based on my experience in the last two years. Would be not to leave any lights on while you are away from home if they are these types of curly CFL’s.

Photos are large for detail.

Have you had a similar experience in your home?
Comments welcome,