tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50199190618275847602024-03-13T08:09:32.955-07:00VaporLok Products, LLCVaporLok™ Products LLC is a company dedicated to providing environmentally safe packaging solutions for mercury containing materials. Our packaging solutions enable the safe transport of mercury containing goods through patented recycling solutions that include our Mercury VaporLok® bag technology. This technology protects both the consumer and generator of mercury containing products and transport personnel from accidental exposure to mercury vapors.Brad Buscherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081735866100071379noreply@blogger.comBlogger153125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019919061827584760.post-37639745037942777072013-01-30T07:17:00.001-08:002013-01-30T07:17:17.961-08:00Cost-Saving Benefits of CFLs and Fluorescent Lamps CFLs and fluorescent lamps save significant costs in electricity
expenses, right? According to recent articles, many people are in doubt
about this claim, and refuse to believe these bulbs are actually saving
them money by using less energy. Furthermore, the higher initial cost of
the bulbs is preventing many consumers from making the switch. However,
tests have shown that CFLs can save households money even under the
least ideal conditions.<br /><br />CFLs and fluorescent lamps give off the
same amount of light as their traditional incandescent counterparts, but
they require considerably less electricity, which in turn reduces the
damaging effects electric power generation causes to the environment.
Incandescent light bulbs actually require four times the amount of
energy to produce equivalent light in a fluorescent lamp. Fluorescent
lamps are four to six times more efficient than incandescent lamps,
reducing the power demand from local utilities. Because most power
stations use coal as a source for electrical generation, they are large
emitters of both greenhouse gas and mercury, which is naturally
occurring in most coal that is used today.<br /><br />Brad Buscher<br />Chairman and CEO<br /><a href="http://www.vaporlokproducts.com/">VaporLok Products LLC</a>Brad Buscherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081735866100071379noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019919061827584760.post-26904809244372351342013-01-23T06:46:00.000-08:002013-01-23T06:46:04.876-08:00One Broken Bulb: The Health and Safety Risks One broken four-foot fluorescent lamp in a small room or vehicle can
release enough mercury vapor to exceed the OSHA mercury exposure
eight-hour limit—posing significant health and safety risks to handlers
and consumers. Plus, mercury vapor can be emitted for weeks after a
single bulb is broken, continually polluting the air in consumers’
homes. When carelessly handled or improperly disposed of, mercury can
get into drinking water, lakes, rivers and streams, posing a critical
threat to human health, as well as the environment. Recent studies have
linked mercury exposure to increased risk of heart attack in men, to
mental retardation and neurological disorders in children, and dangerous
levels of mercury in the blood of women of childbearing age.<br /><br />Despite
these health concerns, the EPA estimates that approximately 75 to 80
percent of fluorescent lamps are not recycled and are usually placed in
dumpsters or trash containers, presenting a considerable risk. One study
found that mercury is "strongly and persistently" emitted from
dumpsters that contain broken fluorescent lamps.(1) Broken fluorescent
lamps need to be properly recycled to prevent the release of mercury
vapor. Learn how to <a href="http://www.main.gov/dep/rwm/homeowner/cflreport/appendixe.pdf">clean up a broken bulb</a> or how to safely package and recycle fluorescent lamps by reading our <a href="http://vaporlok.blogspot.com/2010/05/layers-of-protection-packaging-used.html">Layers of protection: Packaging used fluorescent lamps</a> post. <br /><br />1.
Lindberg, S.E.; Owens, J. PaMSWaD (Pathways of Mercury in Solid Waste
Disposal); Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation (LMER). 1999. 6.<br /><br />Brad Buscher<br />Chairman and CEO<br /><a href="http://www.vaporlokproducts.com/">VaporLok Products LLC</a>Brad Buscherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081735866100071379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019919061827584760.post-19957310167085690122013-01-16T07:28:00.001-08:002013-01-16T07:28:20.690-08:00Origins of the Phrase “Mad As a Hatter” Mercury has long been known to be toxic. The phrase "mad as a hatter"
refers to the 19th-century occupational disease that resulted from
prolonged contact with the mercury used in the manufacture of felt hats.
Along with felt hats, mercury has been taken out of many manufacturing
processes and products—as the dangers of mercury exposure become more
well known. <br /><br />Most mercury pesticides have been withdrawn from the
U.S. market, and many countries banned ocean dumping of mercury and
other pollutants in 1972. Production of mercury-containing interior and
exterior paints in the United States was phased out in 1991. Mercury,
which has been used in medicines for hundreds of years, continues to be
used in various folk remedies that can cause mercury exposures. The use
of mercury in dental amalgam for tooth fillings has stirred escalating
controversy in recent years. Most other medical uses have been banned or
are being phased out.<br /><br />Despite these changes, some workers today,
especially laboratory technicians, nurses, and machine operators,
continue to be exposed to mercury on the job. Elemental mercury (the
silver liquid familiar in thermometers) is a common occupational source
of exposure. Fragile fluorescent lamps and compact fluorescent lamps if
broken represent another mercury exposure risk as they are handled by
manufacturers, transporters, distributors, retailers, consumers and
installers, as well as recycling or waste handlers. There are currently
no universally enforced packaging standards designed to protect these
people. There now exists a proven packaging design with a vapor
resistant and zip seal bag that should be mandated to protect people who
work with or near fluorescent lamps, as well as for protecting the
surrounding environment.<br /><br />Brad Buscher<br />Chairman and CEO<br /><a href="http://www.vaporlokproducts.com/">VaporLok Products LLC</a>Brad Buscherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081735866100071379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019919061827584760.post-22392547041605883422013-01-09T07:11:00.002-08:002013-01-09T07:11:06.495-08:00Recycling Vs. Landfills Recycling mercury-containing lights, such as fluorescent lamps and CFLs,
provides many health, safety and environmental advantages. The main
advantage of recycling used energy-efficient lights is in preventing
mercury from entering the solid waste steam—where a portion of it is
likely to be released into the environment. Another advantage is from
the reuse of certain raw materials from mercury-containing lamps,
including the mercury itself. Although the initial cost for recycling is
higher than disposal to landfills, the cost is typically less than 1%
of the electric savings allotted from the reduced energy use fluorescent
lamps provide over traditional incandescent lights.<br />
<br />Many
consumers dispose of used fluorescent lamps in dumpsters, which
eventually end up in landfills, where they may emit hazardous mercury
vapor into the environment. A study of exposure to broken low-mercury
lamps by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection entitled,
"Release of Mercury from Broken Fluorescent Bulbs" demonstrated that
"elevated airborne levels of mercury could exist in the vicinity of
recently broken lamps, and "could exceed occupational exposure
limits." Collectively, the total amount of mercury released from lamp
breakage adds to the overall mercury pollution in the United States,
increasing health and safety hazards for consumers and waste handlers.
Increased lamp recycling is recommended to further reduce mercury
pollution.<br />
<br />
Brad Buscher<br />Chairman and CEO<br /><a href="http://www.vaporlokproducts.com/">VaporLok Products LLC</a> Brad Buscherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081735866100071379noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019919061827584760.post-84776699665959254762013-01-02T07:06:00.002-08:002013-01-02T07:06:37.999-08:00 Study Results Indicate the Need for Safer Packaging, Storage and Transportation of Used Fluorescent LampsResults of a recent study conducted by a research team at the University
of Minnesota School of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health
Sciences suggest that most containers used for storage and
transportation of used fluorescent lamps to recycling centers do not
provide necessary levels of protection against mercury vapors emitted
from broken lamps. <br /> <br /> The study, published in the March 2009
issue of the Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association,
found that of the five packages tested in the study, just one
configuration—consisting of a zip-closure plastic-foil laminate bag
layered between two cardboard boxes—minimized exposure levels below
acceptable occupational limits, as defined by state and federal
regulations and guidelines.<br /> <br /> Based on the measurements of
mercury vapor from single broken fluorescent bulbs, it was determined
the need for additional research to quantify emissions from various
types of packaging. The results indicate that emissions from packages
not designed to contain mercury vapor represent a real health and safety
concern. <br /><br />Brad Buscher<br /> Chairman and CEO<br /> <a href="http://www.vaporlokproducts.com/">VaporLok Products LLC</a><a href="http://www.vaporlokproducts.com/"></a>Brad Buscherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081735866100071379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019919061827584760.post-35859571116682090232012-12-26T06:55:00.002-08:002012-12-26T06:55:26.857-08:00NUCON International Study Finds Mercury Vapor in Recycling Containers Reaches Unsafe Levels, Indicating Need for Adsorption NUCON International Inc., Columbus, OH, a worldwide leader in providing
gas, vapor and liquid phase adsorption solutions to the Nuclear Power
and other industries, has announced the results of recent tests to
determine the levels of mercury vapor that accumulate in mercury lamp
storage and shipping containers when lamps inside the containers are
broken. The study concluded that mercury vapor levels within containers
containing broken fluorescent lamps exceed health and safety exposure
limits and guidelines. NUCON also ran parallel tests using a new
adsorbent technology and achieved more than 95 percent mercury vapor
reduction within the same containers.<br />
<br />
Tests were conducted by breaking fluorescent lamps inside a sealed
vapor-containing bag and box in a specially designed test chamber and
continuously measuring vapor levels inside the bag. The results
indicated that opening a package containing broken fluorescent lamps
and/or CFLs presents a significant risk of mercury vapor exposure,
potentially rising well above both the OSHA 8-hour permissible exposure
limit of 100 ug/m3 and the NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health) IDLH (immediately dangerous to life and health) level
of 10,000 ug/m3.<br />
<br />
NUCON ran multiple parallel tests using a new, patent-pending adsorbent
substrate they developed in conjunction with VaporLok Products, LLC,
Mankato, MN, <a href="http://www.vaporlokproducts.com/">www.vaporlokproducts.com</a>.
The new substrate was impregnated with carbon and treated with a
variety of inert chemicals, effectively adsorbing and capturing the
mercury vapor. This new, carbon-based adsorbent technology, called
VaporLok<em>Capture</em>™, is designed to adsorb mercury vapor from any
device or product containing mercury. You can view a short animated
depiction of this process at <a href="http://www.vaporlokproducts.com/capturedemo">www.vaporlokproducts.com/capturedemo</a>.<br />
<br />
Read the full release <a href="http://www.nextmediahub.com/content_items/2414-NUCON-International-Study-Shows-Mercury-Vapor-Levels-in-Recycling-Containers-Exceed-Health-amp-Safety-Limits-Indicating-Need-for-Adsorption">here</a>. Brad Buscherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081735866100071379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019919061827584760.post-20633174824723542182012-12-19T07:04:00.002-08:002012-12-19T07:04:41.290-08:00How Do Incandescent Lights Result in More Mercury Pollution Than Fluorescents? In addition to carefully recycling products that contain mercury, we can
reduce mercury pollution by reducing our energy consumption. Because
mercury is a byproduct of burning coal, coal-fired power plants are one
of the largest sources of mercury pollution. Because incandescent bulbs
use several times more electricity over their lifetimes, they require
far more power generation and, ultimately, result in more mercury
emission than fluorescents. With the coming “maximal achievable
technology” clean air standards, it is fully expected that mercury
emissions will have to be severely reduced in order to stop this
proliferation. Fluorescent lights are four to six times more efficient
than incandescent lamps, significantly reducing the power demand from
local utilities. The reduced demand for electricity in turn reduces both
greenhouse gas and mercury emissions.<br /><br />Brad Buscher<br />Chairman and CEO<br /><a href="http://www.vaporlokproducts.com/">VaporLok Products LLC</a>Brad Buscherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081735866100071379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019919061827584760.post-50081693811673831542012-12-12T06:59:00.002-08:002012-12-12T06:59:18.498-08:00Which States Are Raising Awareness of the Dangers of Mercury Vapor? As fluorescent lamps and CFLs increasingly become businesses and
consumers’ primary lighting choice, more states are taking action to
address the health and safety issues associated with their use. While
fluorescent lamps are considered as a more energy-efficient bulb than
traditional incandescent bulbs, these lamps are fragile and, upon
breaking, release mercury vapor that can be detrimental to handlers'
health—from those involved with handling new bulbs to people involved
with storing, packaging and shipping used lamps.<br />
<br />
To address the potential dangers of unsafe packaging and transportation
of used fluorescent lamps and mercury containing devices, many states
are taking a stand to increase awareness by enforcing their own
legislation. In March 2010, Washington took the first step in creating a
law that requires lights and other mercury-containing devices to be
packaged and shipped in material that will minimize the release of
mercury into the environment. The law also states that packages should
include mercury vapor barrier materials if lamps are transported by the
United States postal service or a common carrier or collected via
curbside programs and mail-back businesses.<br />
<br />
Additional states have addressed this health issue with their own, more
specific regulations regarding lamp disposal, including Wisconsin,
Minnesota, Massachusetts, California, Vermont, New York, Connecticut,
Maine, New Hampshire, Florida and Rhode Island. To read about these laws
and find out more information regarding state regulations, read our <a href="http://vaporlok.blogspot.com/2010/07/additional-state-regulations.html">"Additional State Regulations"</a> post. <br />
<br />
Brad Buscher<br />
Chairman and CEO<br />
<a href="http://www.vaporlokproducts.com/">VaporLok Products LLC</a>Brad Buscherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081735866100071379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019919061827584760.post-22535961521911012012012-12-05T07:14:00.000-08:002012-12-05T07:14:18.371-08:00Packaging CFLsA study conducted at the University of Minnesota by a team of researchers found that common cardboard packages for fluorescent lamps do not contain mercury vapor below permissible workplace exposure levels, as defined by state and federal authorities.<br /> <br /> The study tested packaging configurations that enhance this single cardboard layer with a plastic bag, as well as packages that add a second layer of cardboard to the design—with the bags positioned between the two cardboard layers. The latter group contained two package varieties: a double-box with a thicker, tape-sealed plastic bag, and a double box with a foil-plastic laminate bag containing a zip closure. Both of these packages performed better than the other configurations. Yet, only the double box with the foil-plastic laminate bag delivered the necessary levels of protection. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://vaporlok.blogspot.com/2010/05/study-documents-mercury-vapor-emission.html">This study</a> indicates that all three layers of the last packaging configuration are critical in the effective containment of mercury vapor. The first cardboard layer provides structure to the configuration and protects contents from outside elements. The bag—which should feature a suitable material and tight seal—contains the mercury vapor, and the inner layer of cardboard prevents broken glass from puncturing the bag and rendering it ineffective. <br /> <br /> Brad Buscher<br /> Chairman and CEO<br /> <a href="http://www.vaporlokproducts.com/">VaporLok Products LLC</a>Brad Buscherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081735866100071379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019919061827584760.post-61801162920128588172012-11-28T06:55:00.001-08:002012-11-28T06:55:12.001-08:00 CFL Bulb Recycling Container Helps Solve Recycling Concerns <div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-4898901483319042563" itemprop="description articleBody">
A new Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) recycling container from <a href="http://vaporlokproducts.com/">VaporLok Products LLC</a>, Mankato, MN, can safely hold up to four 13-watt, or up to three 23-watt used CFLs, protecting consumers from hazardous mercury vapors if the fragile bulbs inside are broken from mishandling. With the average CFL containing approximately 4 milligrams of mercury, a single broken bulb can release vapor levels dangerous to consumers’ health. Exposure to mercury can cause neurological, kidney and brain damage in adults, children and fetuses.<br /> <br /> Especially significant, this CFL recycling solution is the only one that adsorbs mercury vapor inside the container to protect the consumer from vapors if the bag is opened with broken bulbs inside. It can also be used to collect bulb debris and cleanup materials from bulbs broken in the home by following the <a href="http://www.epa.gov/cfl/cflcleanup.html">EPA’s clean-up procedures</a>. The new recycling container effectively reduces mercury vapor concentrations to levels below the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) to help alleviate consumer concerns about mercury vapor exposure from broken CFLs.<br /> <br /> This new CFL recycling solution helps solve a huge recycling concern, as there are currently no collection programs or logistics in place to efficiently recycle millions of used CFLs, and most end up in landfills where their mercury content can leach into lakes, rivers and groundwater. The VaporLokCAPTURE™ recycling solution is a safe, easy and cost-effective way to recycle CFLs.<br /> <br /> Brad Buscher<br />Chairman and CEO<br /><a href="http://www.vaporlokproducts.com/">VaporLok Products LLC</a>
</div>
<span class="post-author vcard"></span>Brad Buscherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081735866100071379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019919061827584760.post-31720490773640610052012-11-07T06:57:00.001-08:002012-11-07T06:57:30.351-08:00 EPA Packaging Regulations Shipping, packaging, and handling of fluorescent lamps is a major concern because of the harmful mercury vapor emitted when the lamps are broken, which commonly occurs during shipment. To lessen the health and environmental risks associated with mercury vapor, national laws--sometimes supplemented by more rigorous state laws--exist to encourage proper recycling of fluorescent lamps. EPA encourages recycling of these lamps by allowing common carrier shipment to recycling facilities. To protect people who handle fluorescent lamps, EPA instructs that packaging should be designed to protect against breakage. While the rules mandate that lamps be packaged in structurally sound packages, the federal laws don't explicitly address mercury vapor release.<br /><br />Read more about <a href="http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/wastetypes/universal/statespf.htm#links">State Universal Waste Regulations</a> and <a href="http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/wastetypes/universal/laws.htm">Federal Universal Waste Regulations</a><br /><br />Brad Buscher<br />Chairman and CEO<br /><a href="http://www.vaporlokproducts.com/">VaporLok Products LLC</a>Brad Buscherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081735866100071379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019919061827584760.post-77307943494834911322012-10-31T07:05:00.000-07:002012-10-31T07:05:19.351-07:00Incandescent Lamps Vs. Fluorescent LampsWe’ve all heard by now that fluorescent lamps are considered to be the better option when it comes to lighting choices, but why? Well for starters, fluorescent lamps are four to six times more efficient than incandescent lamps, which in turn reduces the power demand from local utilities. Since most power stations use coal as a source for electrical generation, they are large emitters of both greenhouse gas and mercury, which is naturally occurring in most coal that is used today. The reduced demand for electricity in turn reduces both greenhouse gas and mercury emissions. <br /> <br /> Although incandescent light bulbs may seem like the cheaper option at the counter, consumers will actually save money on CFLs in the long run. While a CFL may cost about $2.00 per bulb, compared to about $0.50 cents for an incandescent bulb, a CFL is four to six times more efficient than an incandescent and lasts an estimated 8 to 15 times as long as an incandescent. <br /> <br /> Brad Buscher<br /> Chairman and CEO<br /> <a href="http://www.vaporlokproducts.com/">VaporLok Products LLC</a>Brad Buscherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081735866100071379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019919061827584760.post-82951982548835255282012-10-24T06:59:00.000-07:002012-10-24T06:59:00.420-07:00Where Do Recycled CFLs Go?Recycled lamps are sent to a recycling facility via truck, UPS or FedEx® in bulk or in pre-paid shipping recycling boxes, such as the Waste Management® LampTracker® system, which is specifically designed to accommodate various sized lamps and effectively contain mercury vapor emitted from broken lamps. <br /><br />Once received, the recycler crushes the lamps, along with other contaminated products, devices and debris, to safely exhaust the mercury vapor and extract and reuse the resultant mercury—ensuring mercury is not released into the environment. The remaining debris is then placed in 55-gallon drums and sent to a retort facility—where the drums are heated to high temperatures to eliminate any remaining mercury. Any remaining glass and aluminum is furthered recycled and reused. <br /><br />This process reduces the potential dangers of mercury vapor emitted from used fluorescent lamps—effectively reducing environmental liability and protecting both handlers and consumers from potential safety hazards and health risks. <br /><br />Brad Buscher<br />Chairman and CEO<br /><a href="http://www.vaporlokproducts.com/">VaporLok Products LLC</a>Brad Buscherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081735866100071379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019919061827584760.post-27873121399314611462012-10-17T06:53:00.001-07:002012-10-17T06:53:10.396-07:00Mercury: Why Is It Needed?Mercury is an essential component of energy-efficient fluorescent lamps,
allowing them to produce light and provide a longer life in comparison
to incandescent bulbs. A typical fluorescent lamp is composed of a
phosphor coated glass tube with electrodes located at either end. The
tube contains mercury, of which only a very small amount is in vapor
form. When a voltage is applied, the electrodes energize the mercury
vapor, causing it to emit ultraviolet (UV) energy. The phosphor coating
absorbs the UV energy, causing the phosphor to fluoresce and emit
visible light.(1)<br /><br />The amount of mercury required is very small,
typically measured in milligrams, and varies by lamp type, year of
manufacture, manufacturing plant and manufacturer. Although it is a
necessary component, mercury from fluorescent lamps still poses
significant health and environmental issues, and lamps should be
properly stored, transported and recycled in a packaging configuration
proven to effectively contain mercury vapor. <br /><br />1. “Fluorescent and other Mercury-Containing Lamps and the Environment,” NEMA, March 2005. <br /><br />Brad Buscher<br />Chairman and CEO<br /><a href="http://www.vaporlokproducts.com/">VaporLok Products LLC</a>Brad Buscherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081735866100071379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019919061827584760.post-35376996080490417612012-10-10T07:02:00.001-07:002012-10-10T07:02:40.706-07:00EPA Estimates Just 20-25% of Fluorescent Lamps are Recycled While the new legislation in Washington—addressing the dangers of unsafe packaging and transportation of used fluorescent lamps and mercury-containing devices—shows growth in the right direction, there is still a long way to go in protecting people and the environment from mercury vapor emitted from broken lamps. <br /><br />The EPA estimates recycling rates of fluorescent lamps at only 20 to 25 percent, leaving the majority to be placed in dumpsters and eventually end up in landfills—where they may emit hazardous mercury vapor into the environment. The consumer recycling rate has been estimated to be even lower—possibly at less than 2 percent. <br /><br />Mercury-containing waste that isn’t properly recycled poses a serious environmental and health concern. Safe recycling facilities exist, but should be encouraged by new rules and regulations. New legislation should also ensure that used fluorescent lamps are packaged in configurations proven to effectively contain mercury vapor emitted from broken lamps. <br /><br />Brad Buscher<br />Chairman and CEO<br /><a href="http://www.vaporlokproducts.com/">VaporLok Products LLC</a>Brad Buscherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081735866100071379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019919061827584760.post-48989014833190425632012-10-03T06:55:00.001-07:002012-10-03T06:55:49.928-07:00CFL Bulb Recycling Container Helps Solve Recycling Concerns A new Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) recycling container from <a href="http://vaporlokproducts.com/">VaporLok Products LLC</a>,
Mankato, MN, can safely hold up to four 13-watt, or up to three 23-watt
used CFLs, protecting consumers from hazardous mercury vapors if the
fragile bulbs inside are broken from mishandling. With the average CFL
containing approximately 4 milligrams of mercury, a single broken bulb
can release vapor levels dangerous to consumers’ health. Exposure to
mercury can cause neurological, kidney and brain damage in adults,
children and fetuses.<br />
<br />
Especially significant, this CFL recycling solution is the only one
that adsorbs mercury vapor inside the container to protect the consumer
from vapors if the bag is opened with broken bulbs inside. It can also
be used to collect bulb debris and cleanup materials from bulbs broken
in the home by following the <a href="http://www.epa.gov/cfl/cflcleanup.html">EPA’s clean-up procedures</a>.
The new recycling container effectively reduces mercury vapor
concentrations to levels below the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)
to help alleviate consumer concerns about mercury vapor exposure from
broken CFLs.<br />
<br />
This new CFL recycling solution helps solve a huge recycling concern, as
there are currently no collection programs or logistics in place to
efficiently recycle millions of used CFLs, and most end up in landfills
where their mercury content can leach into lakes, rivers and
groundwater. The VaporLok<em>CAPTURE™</em> recycling solution is a safe, easy and cost-effective way to recycle CFLs.<br />
<br />
Brad Buscher<br />Chairman and CEO<br /><a href="http://www.vaporlokproducts.com/">VaporLok Products LLC</a>Brad Buscherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081735866100071379noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019919061827584760.post-57146712260954830082012-09-26T07:08:00.000-07:002012-09-26T07:08:02.113-07:00New CFL Bulb Recycling Container from VaporLok Products LLC Protects Consumers Against Toxic Mercury VaporA new Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) recycling container can safely hold up to four 13-watt, or up to three 23-watt used CFLs, protecting consumers from hazardous mercury vapors if the fragile bulbs inside are broken from mishandling. With the average CFL containing approximately 4 milligrams of mercury, a single broken bulb can release vapor levels dangerous to consumers’ health. Exposure to mercury can cause neurological, kidney and brain damage in adults, children and fetuses. <br /><br />Especially significant, this CFL recycling solution is the only one that adsorbs mercury vapor inside the container to protect the consumer from vapors if the bag is opened with broken bulbs inside. It can also be used to collect bulb debris and cleanup materials from bulbs broken in the home by following the <a href="http://www.epa.gov/cfl/cflcleanup.html">EPA’s clean-up procedures</a>. The new recycling container effectively reduces mercury vapor concentrations to levels below the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) to help alleviate consumer concerns about mercury vapor exposure from broken CFLs.<br />
<br />
The container features a special foil bag material that prevents
mercury vapors from seeping through the bag, and further includes the
patent-pending VaporLok<em>CAPTURE™</em> adsorbent pad technology that
captures more than 95% of released mercury vapors inside the bag,
protecting consumers from mercury exposure. Consumers and businesses
can purchase 3-Paks of VaporLok<em>CAPTURE™</em> recycling bags online at <a href="http://vaporlokproducts.com/">vaporlokproducts.com</a> for only $6.99 US, including free shipping within the USA. When full, consumers can visit <a href="http://earth911.com/">Earth911.com</a>™ or call 1-800-CLEANUP<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><sup><sub>®</sub></sup></span> to easily find retailers or municipalities who accept CFLs for recycling, at no additional cost for most locations.<br />
<br />
Read the <a href="http://www.nextmediahub.com/content_items/2481-New-CFL-Bulb-Recycling-Container-from-VaporLok-Products-LLC-Protects-Consumers-Against-Toxic-Mercury-Vapor">full release</a> for more information. <br />
Brad Buscherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081735866100071379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019919061827584760.post-41833140741087694682012-09-19T06:55:00.001-07:002012-09-19T06:55:58.551-07:00 Why is it Important to Recycle Used Fluorescent Lamps? According to EPA estimates, only 20% to 25% of used fluorescent lamps are recycled, These lamps are commonly sent to a recycler in bulk or in pre-paid shipping recycling boxes. The 75% to 80% of fluorescent lamps that are not recycled usually end up in dumpsters or trash containers and, ultimately, in landfills. One study indicates dumpsters that contain broken fluorescent lamps “strongly and persistently” emit mercury.(1) Another study on mercury release from broken fluorescent lamps found that between 17% to 40% of the mercury in broken low-mercury fluorescent lamps is released to the air during the two-week period after breakage.(2) Of this mercury, one-third of the release takes place during the first eight hours following breakage, potentially exposing personnel in the vicinity to unsafe levels of mercury vapor. Using this estimated release rate and an estimated 620 million lamps discarded annually in the United States, broken used fluorescent lamps release approximately two to four tons of mercury each year into the environment.<br /><br />Used fluorescent lamps need to be properly handled during shipping and recycling. <a href="http://vaporlok.blogspot.com/2010/05/layers-of-protection-packaging-used.html">Safe packaging</a> reduces the threat of mercury vapor emitted from broken lamps.<br />
<br />
Brad Buscher<br />Chairman and CEO<br /><a href="http://www.vaporlokproducts.com/">VaporLok Products LLC</a> Brad Buscherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081735866100071379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019919061827584760.post-27512692321515211802012-09-12T07:27:00.000-07:002012-09-12T07:27:00.205-07:00Workplace LightingMany businesses strive to keep management expenses low, ensure energy efficiency and provide a safe work environment for employees. When it comes to selecting lighting, all of these aspects must be factored in. Fluorescent lamps have long been the best lighting option for small to large businesses, due to their significant energy savings—providing four to six times higher efficiency than incandescent lights—and long working life. However, these lamps contain hazardous mercury and, from installation to disposal, they must be carefully handled, stored and transported. <br /><br />While the amount of <a href="http://vaporlok.blogspot.com/2010/05/what-is-mercury-and-what-are-risks.html">mercury</a> used in an individual fluorescent bulb has decreased over the past years, one broken four-foot fluorescent lamp in a small room or vehicle can release enough mercury vapor to exceed the OSHA mercury exposure eight-hour limit—posing a significant occupational health risk. Plus, mercury vapor can be emitted for weeks after a single bulb is broken. In their lifetime, fragile fluorescent lamps are handled by manufacturers, transporters, distributors, retailers, consumers and installers, as well as recycling or waste handlers. Although the lamps could break anywhere down this line and expose workers and the environment to hazardous mercury vapors, there are no universally enforced packaging standards designed to protect these people. <a href="http://vaporlok.blogspot.com/2010/06/new-legislation-protects-workers-and.html">Recent legislation</a> has begun to address the issue of safe packaging for fluorescent lamps and other mercury-containing products, and businesses must work to not only comply with these regulations, but also ensure the safety of all personnel in addition to protecting the environment. <br /><br />Brad Buscher<br />Chairman and CEO<br /><a href="http://www.vaporlokproducts.com/">VaporLok Products LLC</a>Brad Buscherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081735866100071379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019919061827584760.post-66981163221446921172012-09-05T07:52:00.003-07:002012-09-05T07:53:37.196-07:00What Do the Manufacturers Say About CFL Recycling?Although consumer awareness of the health and safety risks associated with mercury vapor emitted from broken CFLs has increased, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates recycling rates of possibly less than two percent. If not properly recycled, the emitted mercury vapor poses a significant threat to not only the health of consumers, but also to the health of our environment. Mercury-containing products, such as CFLs, need to be properly recycled to truly be considered truly green products. Yet according to a study conducted by Toxic Waste Facts (1), only one of the three top light bulb manufacturers displays significant recycling information on their packaging:<br />
<br />
Philips: The packaging of a CFL from Philips contains no specific information on disposal or risks associated with mercury contained in the bulbs. The information on the packaging details the life expectancy, wattage, a recycling symbol and an A rating. <br />
<br />
TESCO: The packaging of a CFL from TESCO includes handling and fitting safety instructions, as well as a list of states that ban CFL household waste disposal, with more information available in store or via the website recycle-more.co.uk. Packages also contain the A rating and the crossed-out wheeled bin symbol. However, they do not offer any instructions regarding breakage clean-up or health risks.<br />
<br />
General Electric: The packaging of a CFL from General Electric contains no information on disposal, recycling or any risks associated with the bulb. The information on the packaging details the life expectancy, wattage and an A rating. <br />
<br />
It is important that consumers are made aware of the risks associated with broken CFLs and other <a href="http://vaporlok.blogspot.com/2010/05/what-is-mercury-and-what-are-risks.htm">mercury-containing</a> products, and manufacturers should change packaging to better detail risks, usage and disposal methods.<br />
<br />
Brad Buscher<br />
Chairman and CEO<br />
<a href="http://www.vaporlokproducts.com/">VaporLok Products LLC</a>Brad Buscherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081735866100071379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019919061827584760.post-66586458915496921052012-08-29T07:04:00.001-07:002012-08-29T07:04:55.158-07:00What Mercury?While the amount of mercury used in an individual fluorescent bulb has decreased over the past years, one broken 4-foot fluorescent lamp in a small room or vehicle can release enough mercury vapor to exceed the OSHA mercury exposure 8-hour limit—posing a significant occupational health risk. Plus, mercury vapor can be emitted for weeks after a single bulb is broken. <br /><br />In their lifetime, fragile fluorescent lamps are handled by manufacturers, transporters, distributors, retailers, consumers and installers, as well as recycling or waste handlers. Although the lamps could break anywhere down this line and expose workers and the environment to hazardous mercury vapors, there are no universally enforced packaging standards designed to protect these people. <br /><br />While some steps have been taken to encourage safe recycling and disposal of fluorescent lamps, this fact remains: although a variety of containers are marketed for transportation of fluorescent lamps, many don't provide necessary levels of protection against mercury vapor in the occurrence of breakage. Using a proven packaging design with a vapor resistant lining is vital to ensuring the safety of persons who work with or near fluorescent bulbs, as well as for protecting the surrounding environment, especially as fluorescent lighting continues to grow in popularity and practicality. Currently, only one package design, which includes a vapor resistant and zip seal bag, has proven effective in containing mercury vapor.<br /><br />
Brad Buscher<br />Chairman and CEO<br /><a href="http://www.vaporlokproducts.com/">VaporLok Products LLC</a>Brad Buscherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081735866100071379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019919061827584760.post-37346194224692540262012-08-21T08:08:00.001-07:002012-08-21T08:08:18.392-07:00Shipping Fluorescent Lamps
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--></style>A suitable mercury storage or shipping package can effectively contain vapors emitted by broken fluorescent lamps and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), but those vapors can reach dangerously high levels inside of the package. A study by NUCON International, Inc. recently tested mercury vapor levels inside and outside containment packaging and found a need for an adsorbent technology that could capture vapor before it escaped from the inside of the package. NUCON broke 40 fluorescent lamps in a mercury-safe containment bag and measured vapor levels outside of the package for leakage, and inside the bag for vapor concentrations. The tests from outside of the packaging showed the vapor was being contained, with only slight leakage that was well within safety limits. However, results from inside the containment bag yielded extremely high and unsafe vapor readings of 150 to 300 times the OSHA 8-hour personal exposure limit (PEL). <br />
<br /> It is important to be aware that while mercury vapor can be contained in specific packages, if that package is perforated or opened, vapor levels could be dangerously high inside the bag and seep out. The need for capturing mercury vapor to prevent seepage can be achieved by including an adsorbent technology in the containment packaging. The NUCON study found that a new, patent-pending adsorbent can reduce vapor levels by nearly 60 percent in 15 minutes, and after 12 hours levels are reduced by over 95 percent. Recently announced at the Air & Waste Management Association’s Conference & Exhibition, this adsorbent technology can capture the mercury vapor in the package, protecting users against dangerously high vapor levels resulting from incidental exposure during the accumulation, storage and transportation of lamps. Additionally, a small consumer-size recycling bag, now available, features this technology and allows people to safely store three to four used lamps at home before taking them to a retailer or municipality that accepts CFLs for recycling. <br /><br />View a short animated depiction of the adsorption process at <a href="http://www.vaporlokproducts.com/capturedemo">http://www.vaporlokproducts.com/capturedemo</a>. <span style="font-family: Times;"></span>
Brad Buscherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081735866100071379noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019919061827584760.post-73808398330579521452012-08-13T08:02:00.000-07:002012-08-13T08:02:39.752-07:00Absorbing Mercury Vapor
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--></style>The health risks associated with mercury vapor exposure underscore the importance of safe recycling and disposal of fluorescent lamps and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). Mercury vapor, which can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled, can cause neurological damage in adults, children and fetuses. Efforts to protect consumers and CFL handlers are currently focused on containing the mercury vapor in specially designed mercury storage and shipping containers. Yet when these packages are opened or perforated, dangerous levels of vapor can escape from broken bulbs. To protect against the possibility of vapor exposure, a newly released, patent-pending adsorbent can be included within mercury storage and shipping containers.<br />
<br />
This adsorbent was recently announced at the Air & Waste Management Association’s Conference & Exhibition and is placed within a storage and shipping package. Commercially-used packages should be made up of three layers—with a foil-plastic bag positioned between two cardboard box layers. The adsorbent is impregnated with powdered activated carbon and proprietary inert chemicals, and adheres to the interior flap of the box. According to a study by NUCON International, Inc., a world-wide leader in providing gas, vapor and liquid phase adsorption solutions, the adsorbent can effectively capture mercury vapor and reduce vapor levels by nearly 60 percent after only 15 minutes, more than 70 percent within an hour and over 95 percent after 12 hours, protecting consumers and handlers from mercury vapor exposure. A small consumer-size recycling bag, now available, features this technology and allows people to safely store three to four used lamps at home before taking them to a retailer or municipality that accepts CFLs for recycling. <br />
<br />View a short animated depiction of the adsorption process at <a href="http://www.vaporlokproducts.com/capturedemo">http://www.vaporlokproducts.com/capturedemo</a> or download a detailed White Paper on this technology at <a href="http://www.vaporlokproducts.com/capturewhitepaper.pdf">http://www.vaporlokproducts.com/capturewhitepaper.pdf</a>. Brad Buscherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081735866100071379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019919061827584760.post-81954116192978528412012-08-08T06:50:00.001-07:002012-08-08T06:50:40.359-07:00Dangers of Mercury Vapor<style>
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--></style>Mercury vapor can be detrimental to consumers’ and handlers’ health—from those involved with handling new fluorescent bulbs to people involved with storing, packaging and shipping used and broken lamps. Vapor released from shattered lamps can be contained in specifically designed mercury storage packages, but concentrations inside this packaging can remain dangerously high, creating a risk if the package is opened or perforated. The vapors can be captured within mercury-safe packages with the inclusion of a new, patent-pending adsorbent technology that effectively reduces vapor levels over periods of time.<br />
<br />
A Study by NUCON International, Inc., a world-wide leader in providing gas, vapor and liquid phase adsorption solutions, found the adsorbent showed an immediate reduction of mercury vapors by nearly 60 percent after 15 minutes. After 12 hours, the reduction can reach more than 95 percent. This technology, recently announced at the Air & Waste Management Association’s Conference & Exhibition, provides consumers and transporters who come into contact with used CFLs a safe way to handle them. With the vapor contained and captured in safe packaging, consumers’ and handlers’ risks of vapor leaks or seepage are greatly reduced. Also, a small consumer-size recycling bag, available soon, will feature this technology and allow people to safely store three to four used lamps at home before taking them to a retailer or municipality that accepts CFLs for recycling. <br />
<br />
View a short animated depiction of the adsorption process at <a href="http://www.vaporlokproducts.com/capturedemo">http://www.vaporlokproducts.com/capturedemo</a>.<span style="font-family: Times;"></span>Brad Buscherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081735866100071379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019919061827584760.post-6257478611330506912012-08-01T06:51:00.002-07:002012-08-01T06:52:49.959-07:00Proper Packaging for CFLs<style>
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--></style>Safely recycling used fluorescent lamps and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) is important for the environment, but also for the health of consumers and handlers who come into contact with them. Exposure to mercury vapors can lead to significant risks including neurological damage. Despite the potential health issues, fluorescent lamps and CFLs are growing steadily in the industrial, commercial and residential markets. They are four to six times more efficient than incandescent bulbs, offer energy cost savings and deliver a longer working life. In order to safely dispose of and recycle used fluorescent lamps and CFLs, they must be properly packaged in an effective mercury-safe storage or shipping container that includes an adsorbent technology. <br />
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A study by NUCON International, Inc., a world-wide leader in providing gas, vapor and liquid phase adsorption solutions for mercury and other contaminants to the nuclear and other industries, found that within mercury-specific packaging, vapor levels can reach over 150 to 300 times OSHA’s 8-hour permissible exposure limit. A new, patent-pending adsorbent technology, recently announced at the Air & Waste Management Association’s Conference & Exhibition, can significantly reduce the mercury vapor levels in these storage and recycling packages. Levels were reduced by nearly 60 percent in only 15 minutes and over 95 percent after 12 hours, according to the study. The adsorbent is impregnated with powdered, activated carbon and reacted with proprietary inert chemicals, allowing it to effectively capture and reduce the mercury vapor from shattered lamps to a safe level within the shipping and storage package. In addition, the adsorbent can accommodate the high volume of mercury vapor that is released when several or all bulbs in a full package are broken. This provides an added layer of protection against incidental mercury exposure, offering consumers and other handlers a safer way to recycle their used fluorescent lamps and CFLs. A small consumer-size recycling bag, available soon, will also feature this technology and allow people to safely store three to four used lamps at home before taking them to a retailer or municipality that accepts CFLs for recycling. <br />
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View a short animated depiction of the adsorption process at <a href="http://www.vaporlokproducts.com/capturedemo">http://www.vaporlokproducts.com/capturedemo</a>. <br />
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Download a detailed White Paper on this technology at <a href="http://www.vaporlokproducts.com/capturewhitepaper.pdf">http://www.vaporlokproducts.com/capturewhitepaper.pdf</a>.Brad Buscherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081735866100071379noreply@blogger.com0