Mercury (Hg) is a metallic chemical, also known as quicksilver or hydrargyrum because of its liquid form in standard temperature and pressure. It is usually used in thermometers, barometers, manometers, and fluorescent lights. For medical and clinical purposes, the use of mercury-filled thermometer has mostly been replaced with alcohol-filled, digital or thermistor based equipment. This is due to the high toxicity that mercury contains. But what about the use of mercury in fluorescent lights?

In fluorescent and compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) which are made of glass tubes filled with gas, they need mercury to produce light. When electricity passes through mercury vapor, its molecules are excited by the electricity running between two electrodes, producing short-wave ultraviolet light which then causes the phosphor to emit visible light.

What few people told the consumers is the danger of mercury and its effects on human’s health. Mercury is considered as highly neurotoxic metal. It can be inhaled and absorbed through the skin and mucuous membranes. Having contacted with mercury, may cause both chronic and acute poisoning which are diagnosed as mercurialism or hydrargyria. Toxic effects include damage to the brain, kidney, and lungs. Some neurodegenerative deseases, birth defects, dementia and developmental disorders are the effects of mercury poisoning.

In modern days, the concerns over the toxicity of mercury has encouraged more and more people to replace their lightbulbs with mercury-free LED lights. LED light has been known as an eco-friendly light which is safe for home.

Nexus LED Indonesia is one of the leading company that provides the best and wide range of LED lightings in Indonesia. For more information about Nexus LED lightings, please feel free to contact or e-mail us.