History of CFLs: Ornate Art to Efficient Light Source

Complete video at: http://fora.tv/2009/04/17/The_History_and_Future_of_Fluorescent_Lighting

Michael Siminovitch, director of the California Lighting Technology Center, maps the history of fluorescent lighting. In its original use as an art form, fluorescents were "quite beautiful, quite ornate and they were decoration light sources."

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Michael Siminovitch, director of the California Lighting Technology Center at UC Davis, discusses the history of fluorescent lighting.

Siminovitch, as well as fellow experts Michael Neils and Timothy Tutt, discuss the growing popularity of CFLs, as well as the obstacles that could challenge widespread CFL adoption. - UC Davis Energy Efficiency Center

Michael Siminovitch is Director of the California Lighting Technology Center and Professor of Design at UC Davis. His work entails research and development in new residential and commercial lighting technologies. Dr. Siminovitch works with manufacturers, utilities, and state agencies to test and demonstrate next-generation lighting systems. He has developed many successful lighting products, such as the Berkeley Lamp, which saves three-quarters of the wattage used by traditional lamps. Dr. Siminovitch has also developed an innovative fluorescent down lighting system for commercial and residential spaces, high performance torchiere, high efficiency sulfur lamp, and fiber optic illuminators.

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[LeGioNoFZioN]

@DjinnJuggler modern thermostats are in modern homes, I live in toronto in a 30-40 year old house, as do most people who don't live in condo's or apartment buildings.  My thermostat is not modern. That said I was only responding to someone who said CFL's have more, and when I came accross an article from scientific american who gave the #'s I quoted, I shared it so homeboy might be better informed.

[DjinnJuggler]

@LeGioNoFZioN Wait, what? CFLs have 600 times the mercury of a thermostat? First off modern thermostats have NO mercury, second off if you're looking at old thermostats with mercury they have about 1-2 GRAMS where a CFL has 1-2 THOUSANDTHS of a gram...

[LeGioNoFZioN]

@rhblakeman all I'm saying is burying your head in the sand is no alternative to arming yourself with knowledge.

[rhblakeman]

@LeGioNoFZioN Whatever you say, you are the freakin expert.

[LeGioNoFZioN]

@rhblakeman for the record I looked it up, and according to scientific american CFL's have about 600 times the mercury of a thermostat. gotta keep those facts straight

[LeGioNoFZioN]

@rhblakeman whatevs bossman, I like the way you put that

[rhblakeman]

@LeGioNoFZioN Oh no the sky is falling, the sky is falling, everyone run and hide someone broke a compact florescent bulb. We'll all die for sure because the package says so!

Whatever....

[LeGioNoFZioN]

@rhblakeman its not paranoia when its a warning on the package. If a package warns you with steps to proper disposal in the event of a bulb shattering that involve calling a biohazard unit, I'll take the word fo the package over you. I have no intention on becomming a mad hatter. enjoy your sanity for however long you can retain it.

[rhblakeman]

@LeGioNoFZioN Well then you continue your paranoia of everything around you and end up with a nice stress related disease and I'll stick with what I know and live a long and stress free life. You're entitled to your opinion and many of us know the saying about opinions...

[LeGioNoFZioN]

@rhblakeman yes I am aware of mercury's nature, and of its effects after prolonged exposure to humans. if there was more mercury in the airand water than in CFLs then why do CFL's have biohazard warnings and water and air don't ? Mercury runoff from industrial production puts more than the natural amount in water, its bad for fish, and when we eat them its bad for us. Plenty of toxins occur naturally, it doesn't mean its as harmless as CO2.