0:00:04.938,0:00:08.968 Across the EU it's lights out for[br]the good old incandescent bulb 0:00:08.969,0:00:14.012 since september first even 40 and[br]25 watt bulbs are off the market 0:00:14.013,0:00:17.017 The EU has pushed through energy efficient lights 0:00:17.018,0:00:20.973 mainly the compact fluorescent models known as the CFLs 0:00:20.974,0:00:23.400 but they leave much to be desired 0:00:23.401,0:00:26.599 I think that these energy-efficient[br]bulbs make poor light 0:00:26.600,0:00:30.209 it's not bright, it's diffuse. That means[br]the color rendering is awful 0:00:30.210,0:00:35.419 And CFLs contain a highly[br]hazardous metal: mercury 0:00:35.420,0:00:38.137 This bulb poses a grave danger[br]if it breaks 0:00:38.138,0:00:41.474 the mercury vaporizes and gets[br]into the lungs within seconds 0:00:41.475,0:00:45.947 Critics warn they even admit toxic[br]substances in normal use 0:00:45.948,0:00:51.762 If a simple instrument like this can register poisons[br]and contaminants emitted from these bulbs 0:00:51.763,0:00:53.664 that means there's[br]a serious problem 0:00:53.665,0:00:56.716 it indicates the presence[br]of hazardous toxins 0:00:56.717,0:01:02.470 It's universally agreed that the new bulbs[br]use less electricity and last longer 0:01:02.471,0:01:07.402 but critics say consumers and the environment[br]will pay a high price for these benefits 0:01:15.994,0:01:20.677 At the Foxdorf kindergarten in Hamburg[br]instructors are using a playful method 0:01:20.678,0:01:23.781 to teach four to six year olds[br]about both kinds of lights 0:01:23.782,0:01:29.188 the old incandescent bulbs and[br]the new energy-efficient models 0:01:32.054,0:01:37.567 and this is the new model - of course it looks[br]different than the bulb you've drawn 0:01:37.568,0:01:40.956 there is the spiral version[br]and the tubular shapes 0:01:40.957,0:01:43.993 You probably see them in light[br]fixtures at home, don't you? 0:01:47.730,0:01:52.126 My mom doesn't buy them because when[br]you turn them on it always takes a while 0:01:52.127,0:01:57.782 and by the time it's lit up you're already[br]washed and dried your hands 0:01:57.783,0:01:59.883 then you're out of the bathroom. 0:02:03.296,0:02:08.952 The teacher wants to teach the children what to do[br]in case one of the new bulbs shatters 0:02:11.635,0:02:15.605 so if this energy-efficient bulb drops[br]you have to leave the room immediately 0:02:15.606,0:02:17.831 so let's run a drill 0:02:17.832,0:02:21.157 remember there's poison inside 0:02:21.158,0:02:26.183 we're only practicing now but if it drops[br]and breaks you have to run for the door, okay? 0:02:26.184,0:02:34.767 So I'll pretend to drop it - it breaks[br]and now you have to hurry outside. 0:02:34.968,0:02:40.982 The official recommendation from the federal[br]environment agency is to evacuate for 15 minutes 0:02:40.983,0:02:43.897 leave the windows open,[br]turn off the heat 0:02:43.898,0:02:46.704 To find out if those[br]precautions are justified 0:02:46.705,0:02:53.810 we turn to an independent laboratory that analyzes[br]environmentally hazardous materials - including mercury 0:02:53.811,0:02:57.071 and the researchers take[br]all precautions for our test 0:02:57.372,0:02:58.981 here's a protective mask 0:02:58.982,0:03:01.908 just pull it over your head 0:03:05.726,0:03:11.939 Laboratory head Gary Zorner says there's only one[br]sensible reaction when a CFL bulb shatters 0:03:11.940,0:03:14.102 You should get away as quickly as possible 0:03:14.103,0:03:17.562 it could enter your blood stream[br]through the lungs and from there into the brain 0:03:17.563,0:03:23.605 or through the olfactory nerves directly into the nervous system[br]That's why we take these safety precautions 0:03:23.606,0:03:28.346 the measures include a fume hood,[br]breathing masks and gloves. 0:03:28.347,0:03:33.501 As soon as the glass breaks an invisible cloud[br]of mercury is released from the bulb. 0:03:33.502,0:03:36.764 We can see the electronic components 0:03:36.765,0:03:41.012 Zorner is highly critical of the use of[br]mercury in this kind of product 0:03:41.013,0:03:45.964 Every encounter with mercury makes[br]you a bit more stupid and lowers your IQ 0:03:45.965,0:03:52.398 It is a highly dangerous nerve poison and can also[br]affect many other organs and the immune system 0:03:52.699,0:03:57.026 There should be a zero tolerance policy[br]for mercury 0:03:57.027,0:04:00.805 We must do all we can to[br]institute all worldwide ban 0:04:00.806,0:04:04.067 against mining,[br]production and distribution 0:04:06.449,0:04:13.034 Environmental medical specialist Joachim Mutter has worked[br]for years with patients suffering from mercury poisoning 0:04:13.035,0:04:16.698 He is regularly asked to testify[br]in civil court cases 0:04:20.350,0:04:25.833 Recently he encountered a youngster who suffered[br]severe injury after low-energy bulb shattered. 0:04:25.834,0:04:26.834 The boy was already ill at the time 0:04:26.835,0:04:32.618 and the parents had no idea just[br]how dangerous the mercury cloud was. 0:04:36.020,0:04:39.856 They didn't air out the room and the[br]shards were thrown in the garbage 0:04:39.857,0:04:42.182 The child then slept[br]in his bedroom 0:04:42.182,0:04:45.182 Within the first week he[br]developed a skin rash 0:04:45.183,0:04:47.877 By week two[br]he began losing hair 0:04:47.878,0:04:52.558 he developed severe diarrhea[br]and a visible case of the shakes 0:04:54.171,0:04:57.672 He showed what I'd describe[br]as autistic ticks 0:04:57.673,0:05:02.830 He was withdrawn, lost interest[br]and was constantly tired. 0:05:02.831,0:05:06.042 He slept all the time[br]and was lethargic 0:05:06.043,0:05:08.986 nothing like the boy[br]he was before 0:05:12.496,0:05:17.671 After extensive therapy he slowly[br]regained his health and vitality 0:05:23.741,0:05:29.723 That's precisely the kind of accident the instructors[br]at the Foxdorf kindergarten are trying to prevent. 0:05:29.724,0:05:35.524 Silke Stoltenberg uses a demonstration bulb to show[br]the children how to safely dispose of them 0:05:35.525,0:05:38.963 in accordance with the government's[br]environmental guidelines 0:05:40.839,0:05:44.999 I use cardboard to gather all the[br]pieces and put them in here 0:05:45.000,0:05:47.589 your mom and dad[br]can do that too 0:05:47.590,0:05:50.883 I collect the big pieces[br]in the cardboard 0:05:50.884,0:05:53.673 and use tape to[br]gather the rest 0:05:56.601,0:05:59.494 Then I press down on it[br]to get every little piece 0:06:01.328,0:06:03.129 We are not allowed[br]to use a vacuum 0:06:03.130,0:06:07.324 and a broom isn't adviced because it[br]would only spread the mercury all-around 0:06:08.333,0:06:11.159 Then I take off the gloves[br]and dispose of them too. 0:06:11.160,0:06:13.836 There might be hazardous[br]material clinging to them 0:06:13.837,0:06:17.233 So now I shut the lid tight[br]and we'll recycle it. 0:06:19.412,0:06:23.936 Light bulbs filled with toxic metal[br]not what most people would call progress 0:06:23.937,0:06:26.226 We visit a lighting designer[br]in Hamburg 0:06:26.227,0:06:30.742 Katja Winkelmann is an engineer and[br]knows a thing or two about the business 0:06:34.261,0:06:38.655 The problem with this form of technology[br]is that it simply doesn't work without mercury 0:06:38.756,0:06:41.603 That's true of all bulbs[br]of this sort 0:06:41.604,0:06:45.561 and that includes these tubular models[br]the fluorescent lights. 0:06:45.562,0:06:50.287 It's the same for the compact CFL bulbs,[br]the energy-efficient bulbs. 0:06:50.288,0:06:52.981 None of these can function[br]without mercury 0:06:52.982,0:06:56.221 That's simply based on[br]the technology in use 0:06:59.791,0:07:03.825 EU guidelines allow up to 5 milligrams[br]of mercury per bulb 0:07:03.826,0:07:06.039 That's about the size[br]of the head of a pin 0:07:06.040,0:07:09.829 In addition the base is filled[br]with complex electronics 0:07:09.830,0:07:15.024 with up to thirty individual parts made[br]of silicon, phosphorus or aluminum 0:07:19.787,0:07:22.659 These bulbs are built with[br]this electronic ballast 0:07:22.660,0:07:25.032 We've taken this one[br]apart to show you 0:07:25.033,0:07:28.937 The mercury is still inside because[br]we haven't broken this casing 0:07:29.682,0:07:32.626 but we can clearly see the[br]intricate electronics involved 0:07:32.627,0:07:37.404 and of course this has to be disposed of[br]in an eco-friendly manner 0:07:39.558,0:07:43.477 Every time we recycle we throw away[br]these electronic components too 0:07:44.959,0:07:50.898 and that's crazy because first the mercury has to be[br]dealt with and then a whole lot of electronic waste 0:07:54.293,0:07:59.654 Most energy-efficient CFLs are produced[br]in Asia particularly China 0:07:59.655,0:08:02.946 There are reports that employees[br]at some Chinese plants 0:08:02.947,0:08:05.084 have suffered from[br]mercury poisoning 0:08:05.085,0:08:08.739 We contacted investigative[br]labour activists there 0:08:08.740,0:08:13.829 We know that Chinese workers[br]got poisoned by mercury while producing ... 0:08:13.830,0:08:17.122 Is there a way to find out[br]what happened to the workers? 0:08:17.123,0:08:22.000 At great personal risk a member is going[br]to go under cover with a hidden camera 0:08:22.001,0:08:25.793 in an attempt to document[br]working conditions at the plant. 0:08:31.208,0:08:32.891 We're willing[br]to take the risk. 0:08:32.892,0:08:38.933 If we can prove the rumors are true perhaps we can[br]force a change in labour conditions in those facilities 0:08:40.586,0:08:47.310 Garry Zorrner has begun a new test with 6 CFL[br]models produced by 5 different manufacturers 0:08:47.311,0:08:51.628 He's studying whether intact energy-efficient[br]bulbs may also pose health risks. 0:08:51.629,0:08:56.040 Once the lamps are on, the surrounding air is[br]collected, chemically bonded and analyzed. 0:08:58.573,0:09:02.740 This is an extract from the air sample[br]that we've sucked into the tube. 0:09:05.465,0:09:11.677 Now we'll use gas chromatography, mass spectrometry[br]to find out what substances it contains. 0:09:17.820,0:09:20.820 This method reveals that there[br]are various substances. 0:09:23.121,0:09:25.906 There are volatile organic compounds 0:09:25.907,0:09:29.489 We've even fount measurable traces[br]of the toxin phenol. 0:09:31.463,0:09:33.042 What's the problem with phenol? 0:09:33.043,0:09:36.606 Phenol is carcinogenic and[br]is considered a health hazard. 0:09:37.833,0:09:41.401 we also found tetrahydrofuran[br]which may also cause cancer 0:09:42.769,0:09:44.015 There are others as well. 0:09:44.831,0:09:49.679 Alkylbenzines which can damage the nervous system[br]and are toxic to the liver and so on. 0:09:49.680,0:09:55.202 The worst thing is that you have an entire cocktail[br]of substances linked with various health risks. 0:09:55.203,0:09:57.951 That is a particular concern. 0:10:01.426,0:10:08.499 But Germany's environment agency says the concentration[br]of emmissions is not high enough to be a significant health risk. 0:10:08.500,0:10:14.690 We consult Wolfgang Maes a recognized authority[br]in building biology and environmental analytics. 0:10:14.691,0:10:19.395 We want to find out exactly[br]how the toxins are emitted. 0:10:19.396,0:10:23.401 Do they escape from the base[br]or from the glass housing? 0:10:25.797,0:10:28.130 We can give this simple[br]instrument a try. 0:10:28.131,0:10:32.736 It's a sampling probe, fairly insensitive[br]and not very accurate. 0:10:34.968,0:10:40.638 We can see where the emissions are coming from[br]the scratches that lead to the ballast as I suspect 0:10:40.639,0:10:43.162 once the bulb has reached[br]a certain temperature. 0:10:48.987,0:10:50.539 Listen to that! 0:10:52.361,0:10:53.905 It is the same at the other switch. 0:10:57.009,0:10:58.970 Look at how that follows[br]the glass housing. 0:10:59.171,0:11:04.261 So if toxins such as phenol are escaping from[br]this bulb why aren't they better sealed? 0:11:04.262,0:11:07.350 It must be possible from a[br]manufacturing standpoint. 0:11:07.351,0:11:09.706 You must ask the producers. 0:11:09.707,0:11:12.773 It's a necessity no matter[br]how high the cost. 0:11:12.774,0:11:16.405 We're talking about poisons that[br]should not be allowed to escape. 0:11:16.406,0:11:22.069 If such a simple instrument can detect[br]poisons and contaminants emitted by CFLs 0:11:22.070,0:11:24.255 then we truly have a problem. 0:11:24.256,0:11:27.850 I'm talking about biologically[br]hazardous emissions. 0:11:29.272,0:11:32.098 We asked manufacturers to comment. 0:11:32.099,0:11:33.518 One of them responds: 0:11:33.519,0:11:34.519 In addition we conduct internal and[br]external inspections on a regular basis. 0:11:33.519,0:11:39.826 As a manufacturer of high quality brands, Osram[br]complies with all manufacturing standards and guidelines. 0:11:39.827,0:11:44.828 In addition we conduct internal and[br]external inspections on a regular basis. 0:11:44.829,0:11:45.829 Maes also measured the amount of[br]electron smog produced by the CFLs. 0:11:54.109,0:11:58.092 So I turned off the energy-efficient bulb[br]and replaced it with a filament bulb. 0:12:02.432,0:12:04.696 Look at the field intensity[br]on the display. 0:12:04.697,0:12:08.275 You can see for yourself that the[br]traditional light bulb gets better results. 0:12:08.276,0:12:11.579 It's a much healthier choice[br]than the energy-efficient models. 0:12:17.187,0:12:22.164 In particular this bulb produces a field[br]whose strength is 42 volts per metre 0:12:22.165,0:12:26.146 The limit for a computer work place[br]is just 1 volt per metre. 0:12:26.147,0:12:31.858 That means that this bulb is 42 times more intense[br]than a personal computer is allowed to be 0:12:31.859,0:12:37.836 We found CFLs that produce over 70 volts per metre[br]- 70 times higher than a pc 0:12:39.618,0:12:45.585 What kind of health problems could arise if I sit too close[br]to an energy-efficient land, for instance at a desk? 0:12:45.586,0:12:53.302 From a biological standpoint there's dangerous electromagnetic[br]exposure to your head, your body, your entire work environment. 0:12:53.303,0:12:57.118 It can lead to neurological and[br]hormonal problems and to cell damage. 0:12:57.119,0:13:02.490 These are all things that can be triggered[br]by high electromagnetic field intensity. 0:13:04.334,0:13:10.972 Here in a typical German residential area, we want to find out[br]how consumers are accepting energy-efficient bulbs. 0:13:10.973,0:13:15.654 The first family has only a few CFLs[br]used where they won't be noticed. 0:13:21.348,0:13:27.844 We use normal bulbs here in the living room - the CFLs[br]are so ugly, they'd destroy the look of our chandelier. 0:13:28.045,0:13:32.212 Family number two has designer lighting[br]with the appropriate bulbs. 0:13:32.213,0:13:39.328 Halogen bulbs? - We use mostly floodlights ... the one exception[br]is the fluorescent tube in the kitchen. 0:13:39.329,0:13:41.145 I installed it over the sink. 0:13:42.635,0:13:47.229 The family has decided to install[br]energy-saving bulbs only in certain areas. 0:13:49.938,0:13:53.132 We replaced the bulbs[br]on this ceiling lamp. 0:13:53.133,0:13:57.888 The CFLs makes sense because[br]this lamp is on for lengthy periods. 0:13:57.889,0:14:02.439 Family number three has just moved into[br]a new house and has bought new furnishings. 0:14:02.440,0:14:05.037 most of the lamps have CFLs. 0:14:07.288,0:14:12.057 Are you worried about sleeping next to a bulb that contains mercury?[br]Have you even thought about that? 0:14:12.058,0:14:19.518 To tell you the truth it hadn't crossed my mind but as long as[br]the mercury is contained in the class housing it won't leak out. 0:14:20.741,0:14:26.383 The anecdotal evidence from three homes[br]only 37 percent energy-efficient bulbs 0:14:26.384,0:14:30.566 the rest is a mix of incandescent,[br]halogen and fluorescent. 0:14:37.528,0:14:42.403 Then number four who was initially excited[br]about the prospect of saving energy and costs 0:14:42.404,0:14:44.916 The enthusiasm didn't last long. 0:14:48.507,0:14:50.949 This is my collection of[br]energy-efficient bulbs 0:14:50.950,0:14:53.358 I tried them all and[br]we didn't like them. 0:14:53.359,0:14:56.316 They all ended up in the basement. 0:14:56.317,0:15:00.365 This is our supply of incandescent bulbs[br]for use around the house. 0:15:03.324,0:15:05.488 They just don't produce the[br]kind of light we want. 0:15:05.489,0:15:10.089 We can't use dimmers and we've been[br]reading about the dangers as well. 0:15:10.090,0:15:15.117 They're supposed to be environmentally friendly[br]and yet they contain mercury. 0:15:15.118,0:15:18.037 Sorry we just can't grasp[br]that concept. 0:15:20.208,0:15:25.950 The European Union enacted legislation[br]on energy-efficient bulbs back in 2009. 0:15:25.951,0:15:33.905 Early on european parliament member Holger Krahmer voiced skepticism[br]and pointed out the possible adverse effects for consumers. 0:15:37.174,0:15:42.135 It's clear that health concerns were simply not a factor[br]in implementing the ban on incandescent bulbs 0:15:42.136,0:15:45.265 and the pressure to market[br]energy-efficient bulbs. 0:15:46.893,0:15:48.624 The EU commission admitted as much. 0:15:48.625,0:15:53.582 At the time there had been no comprehensive[br]studies - it wasn't just about mercury. 0:15:53.583,0:15:57.880 There are also concerns about the psychological[br]effects of the light among other things. 0:15:57.881,0:16:02.258 But didn't the EU commission[br]carry out extensive testing? 0:16:02.259,0:16:06.087 We asked commissioner for energy[br]Gunter Oetinger to comment 0:16:06.088,0:16:09.320 He refused sending a[br]spokesperson instead. 0:16:11.435,0:16:16.203 Were studies done on possible adverse effects[br]of CFLs prior to the incandescent bulb ban? 0:16:19.885,0:16:26.516 Before we began taking light bulbs off the market we investigated[br]the problem of mercury in the energy-efficient bulbs. 0:16:26.517,0:16:31.104 We asked some of the independent[br]scientists on our advisory council 0:16:31.105,0:16:38.184 and the indicated there was no risk from the amount[br]of mercury contained in the new energy-saving lights. 0:16:43.043,0:16:45.149 One day later she[br]sent a correction. 0:16:45.150,0:16:52.900 In an email she wrote that extensive test results were only[br]submitted in 2010 long after the phase out went into effect. 0:16:56.132,0:17:00.579 In a 2009 study researchers[br]looked at just 5 different CFLs 0:17:00.580,0:17:02.525 that was the minimum requirement. 0:17:14.749,0:17:19.836 So why the urgent decision to ban filament bulbs[br]and replace them with CFLs? 0:17:19.837,0:17:25.231 It was at the height of the climate debate.[br]It started in Australia and spread around the globe. 0:17:25.232,0:17:29.783 Everyone was unscrewing light bulbs and no one wanted[br]to be left behind including chancellor Merkel 0:17:29.784,0:17:31.362 There was no stopping it. 0:17:31.363,0:17:35.361 Incandescent bulbs had to be[br]banned to save the world. 0:17:35.662,0:17:42.032 The EU commission appointed a committee to set[br]guidelines for the energy-efficient bulbs. 0:17:42.033,0:17:48.190 It included industry experts along[br]with representatives of consumer groups. 0:17:50.334,0:17:53.750 Why were producers such as Phillips[br]and Osram at the table? 0:17:57.171,0:18:00.292 It's all about who knows whom.[br]The buddy system. 0:18:01.792,0:18:06.348 The bureaucrats in the EU commission[br]have circles of friends. They network. 0:18:08.402,0:18:10.503 And when it comes to a[br]decision on some issue 0:18:10.504,0:18:13.578 they invite those who might[br]be affected by it to meet. 0:18:13.579,0:18:19.570 And it has to be clear that environmental[br]concerns aren't necessarily the highest priority. 0:18:19.571,0:18:24.325 Rather these decisions are heavily influenced[br]by the respective business interests. 0:18:24.326,0:18:27.889 There's no profit in the incandescent bulb[br]perhaps just a few cents. 0:18:27.890,0:18:30.704 The profit margin is much higher for CFLs. 0:18:30.705,0:18:35.734 That's why business interests trumped[br]environmental concerns in coming to this decision. 0:18:35.835,0:18:41.438 Proponents point out that the[br]energy-efficient lamps truly do save electricity 0:18:41.439,0:18:43.691 and have a much longer life span. 0:18:43.692,0:18:45.459 But is that really the case? 0:18:45.460,0:18:50.680 In Frankfurt we visit the offices of popular[br]german consumer magazine Eko-test. 0:18:50.681,0:18:53.842 It's done extensive research into CFLs. 0:18:53.843,0:19:02.569 Editor in chief Gurgen Stepflug and his team studied 16 different models[br]to find out whether they live up to manufacturers claims. 0:19:07.513,0:19:12.294 Here they claim that this 11 watt CFL[br]can replace a 60 watt filament bulb. 0:19:12.295,0:19:13.768 That's simply not enough. 0:19:13.769,0:19:16.835 Our findings indicate you'd[br]need at least 14 watts. 0:19:16.836,0:19:19.211 But the CFLs also lose[br]brightness quickly. 0:19:19.212,0:19:23.874 so actually you need a 21 watt energy-efficient[br]lamp to replace an old 60 watt bulb. 0:19:27.726,0:19:28.926 And the lifespan? 0:19:28.927,0:19:36.126 According to this, one low-energy bulb[br]lasts longer than 8 traditional bulbs. 0:19:36.127,0:19:41.389 The manufacturer is required to print[br]this information on the packaging 0:19:41.390,0:19:42.484 It just doesn't add up. 0:19:42.485,0:19:46.623 Yes, they're required to but no[br]officials check to see if it's true. 0:19:46.624,0:19:50.690 But this laboratory in Vilhemshofen does. 0:19:53.340,0:19:59.633 Electrical engineer Wolfgang Hoerter and the staff at the[br]Pruf Centrum Technik have been testing bulbs for years 0:19:59.634,0:20:02.208 commissioned by consumer[br]protection groups. 0:20:02.209,0:20:06.766 That includes tests on the true[br]life span of energy saving lights. 0:20:09.650,0:20:14.674 This room contains more than 100 lamps[br]from 36 manufacturers. 0:20:14.675,0:20:18.823 On average they should burn[br]between 8 and 10 thousand hours. 0:20:20.914,0:20:22.818 We're performing a longevity test here. 0:20:24.907,0:20:29.371 More than 7.000 hours and 30%[br]of them have burned out. 0:20:29.372,0:20:31.076 That's a lot. 0:20:31.077,0:20:35.593 In addition we have a row with lights[br]that are regularly turned off and on. 0:20:37.856,0:20:41.451 Metred so they are on for 1 minute[br]and then off for 5. 0:20:44.092,0:20:45.675 And the test runs around the clock. 0:20:46.678,0:20:49.506 The first bulbs expire[br]at the 3.000 hour mark. 0:20:50.507,0:20:55.460 And you can tell by these dark spots[br]that a lamp is about to burn out. 0:20:59.938,0:21:03.591 In a bathroom families turn the light[br]on and off at least 10 times a day. 0:21:03.592,0:21:06.402 So a CFL probably[br]wouldn't last a year. 0:21:10.815,0:21:16.133 We asked Germany's largest bulb producer[br]to explain the apparent discrepancy. 0:21:16.134,0:21:18.144 Osram answered my email: 0:21:20.510,0:21:24.865 We are Germany's only manufacturer to[br]guarantee our energy-efficient bulbs. 0:21:24.866,0:21:28.591 This guaranty also applies[br]particularly to the life span. 0:21:33.755,0:21:38.156 In the meantime we've reestablished[br]contact with the Chinese labor activists. 0:21:38.157,0:21:45.530 They've been able to place one of their members inside an[br]assembly plant at the Fusan electrical and lighting company. 0:21:45.531,0:21:50.496 This facility produces fluorescent lights[br]which operate on the same principle as CFLs. 0:21:50.497,0:21:52.326 The key component is mercury. 0:21:52.327,0:22:00.414 Heinrich Calmer is a lighting designer previously employed by a major manufacturer.[br]He speaks with authority about the images from the Chinese plant 0:22:03.189,0:22:05.872 The employees aren't wearing protective gear. 0:22:12.271,0:22:15.745 and it should be disposed of once[br]they leave the production line. 0:22:15.746,0:22:20.160 If one of these tubes breaks[br]highly toxic mercury will escape. 0:22:20.161,0:22:26.701 Chinese regulations stipulate protective clothing but it[br]appears few employees are aware of the health hazards. 0:22:26.702,0:22:33.025 Over the past few years there have been numerous[br]documented cases of toxic accidents including at this plant. 0:22:36.098,0:22:39.782 Under these conditions can recall these[br]lamps environmentally friendly? 0:22:40.858,0:22:43.622 Certainly not when you look[br]at it from this standpoint. 0:22:43.623,0:22:47.158 They do consume less electricity 0:22:47.159,0:22:51.068 but noone sees the environmental[br]damage caused by mercury. 0:22:58.503,0:23:07.021 So special EU exemptions were put into effect[br]to make CFLs available to consumers. 0:23:08.868,0:23:12.271 The guidelines are far stricter[br]for all other instruments. 0:23:12.272,0:23:14.265 Mercury thermometers are banned. 0:23:14.266,0:23:18.523 But there are special guidelines[br]for fluorescent tubes and CFLs 0:23:18.524,0:23:23.593 so that these energy-efficient bulbs[br]will continue to pollute the environment. 0:23:25.794,0:23:32.778 In 2004 Osram bought a stake in the[br]Fusan electrical and lighting company. 0:23:32.779,0:23:35.264 In a statement Osram declares: 0:23:35.265,0:23:42.016 With the goal of improving occupational safety and health[br]Osram successfully implemented these and other measures in 2010: 0:23:42.017,0:23:49.588 - Use of modern dosing technologies[br]- weekly mercury monitoring[br]- construction of new ventilation and exhaust mechanisms 0:23:52.636,0:23:56.386 And then there's the problem of[br]disposing of the burned out bulbs. 0:23:56.387,0:24:00.259 Germany forbids throwing them away[br]with the rest of the household trash. 0:24:00.260,0:24:06.447 We go to a building supply center to see[br]whether it has a recycling program in place. 0:24:06.448,0:24:09.023 It doesn't appear to be the case. 0:24:12.297,0:24:15.081 Excuse me, I'd like to recycle this bulb. 0:24:15.082,0:24:18.987 Sorry I can't help you,[br]I don't think we accept them. 0:24:18.988,0:24:21.317 There was nothing[br]in the light department 0:24:21.318,0:24:22.849 We don't accept them. 0:24:22.850,0:24:25.681 But I bought it here.[br]That doesn't matter. 0:24:25.682,0:24:30.037 The only alternative is a[br]trip to the recycling center. 0:24:30.038,0:24:36.041 On the way my car burned nearly a litre of gas[br]and emitted over 2.000 grams of Co2 0:24:36.042,0:24:39.906 all to dispose of one[br]eco-friendly light bulb. 0:24:39.907,0:24:45.002 Waste separation actually works quite[br]efficiently in environmentally conscious Germany 0:24:45.003,0:24:48.896 but the CFLs pose a[br]gigantic recycling problem. 0:24:48.897,0:24:51.474 Recycling centers are[br]required to accept them 0:24:51.475,0:24:58.802 but experts estimate that only about 10% of CFLs[br]from german households are properly disposed of. 0:24:58.803,0:25:01.822 That means that 90% are[br]thrown out with the trash 0:25:01.823,0:25:05.884 ending up in landfills and posing[br]an environmental hazard. 0:25:06.811,0:25:10.257 But surely the EU commission[br]has imposed recycling guidelines 0:25:10.258,0:25:15.093 Eurocrats in Brussels have regulated[br]almost every aspect of our lives 0:25:15.094,0:25:21.886 but the spokesperson for the EU energy commissioner[br]couldn't find the laws applying to recycling up CFLs. 0:25:24.338,0:25:29.814 As far as recycling is concerned stores that[br]sell the bulbs must also take the used ones back. 0:25:30.115,0:25:31.698 But they dont't. 0:25:31.733,0:25:33.416 They have to. 0:25:33.417,0:25:35.867 The stores have to[br]take them back. 0:25:35.868,0:25:39.211 Take CFLs back for recycling? 0:25:39.212,0:25:41.985 The stores refuse and say[br]they're not required to. 0:25:41.986,0:25:45.254 You can't dispose of the burned out bulbs[br]at the place you bought them. 0:25:49.508,0:25:52.355 The law stipulates that the[br]stores must accept them. 0:25:52.356,0:25:58.424 The law also says that member nations must inform[br]its citizens where and how to dispose of these bulbs. 0:25:58.425,0:26:01.215 Of course that includes[br]Germany and German citizens. 0:26:05.697,0:26:08.815 The spokesperson for the EU[br]energy commissioner is wrong. 0:26:08.850,0:26:12.210 Mrs Holsner corrects her statement[br]the day following our interview 0:26:12.211,0:26:16.758 Stores may recycle the bulbs[br]on a voluntary basis. 0:26:20.963,0:26:24.758 Light designers are developing bulbs[br]that work without mercury. 0:26:24.759,0:26:32.304 At the Unilever house in Hamburg LEDs and natural lighting[br]are part of the progressive energy-efficient concept 0:26:32.305,0:26:34.212 It's an expensive solution. 0:26:34.213,0:26:37.303 At a cost of 30 to 40 euros per bulb 0:26:37.304,0:26:40.471 LEDs are beyond the price range[br]of many families 0:26:40.506,0:26:44.745 but they do last up to[br]5 times longer than CFLs. 0:26:50.211,0:26:54.516 These LEDs are a very effective and[br]energy efficient way of generating light. 0:26:54.517,0:26:59.812 The major advantage is that LEDs emit[br]maximum light at the flip of the switch. 0:26:59.813,0:27:02.120 That's my major complaint with CFLs 0:27:02.121,0:27:04.467 You can fall down the stairs[br]because there's no light. 0:27:04.468,0:27:06.726 LEDs solve that problem. 0:27:06.727,0:27:08.712 They're a good alternative. 0:27:11.353,0:27:17.171 But if LEDs are too expensive and CFLs[br]too dangerous there's little choice left. 0:27:19.940,0:27:24.123 This lighting shop in Hamburg[br]recognized a business opportunity 0:27:24.124,0:27:27.943 ordering and hoarding[br]thousands of traditional bulbs. 0:27:27.944,0:27:31.599 Stefan Shroder expects to[br]be doing a booming business. 0:27:37.897,0:27:42.752 Look at this bulb, it's beautiful -[br]I have about a thousand in this style 0:27:43.453,0:27:46.583 And how many bulbs in all? 0:27:46.584,0:27:49.435 One of two million at least. 0:27:53.558,0:27:57.706 On September first farewell[br]to the incandescent bulb. 0:27:57.707,0:28:03.412 Consumers have stocked up and[br]demand for CFLs is moderate at best 0:28:03.413,0:28:08.574 a potentially toxic product that[br]simply doesn't live up to the hype.