States pursue bulb recycling regulations

WASHINGTON, June 18 (UPI) -- Those squiggly light bulbs that save energy and money also pose potential hazards, experts say.

The compact fluorescent light bulbs contain small amounts of mercury, which can damage the lungs and central nervous system if inhaled, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says.

To minimize the risk of exposure, states have stepped up efforts to start CFL recycling programs and to get out the word about necessary precautions, USA Today reports.

Maine, for instance, became the first state to require manufacturers to limit mercury levels in CFLs and pay for safe recycling, the newspaper said.

Illinois requires recycling information on labels for the bulbs. A Nevada committee is working on plans to require utilities to inform people about recycling CFLs.

In Massachusetts, lawmakers are considering making manufactures provide drop-off locations for bulbs and add labels telling consumers about recycling, Democratic state Rep. William Straus told the newspaper.

But General Electric, which manufactures the bulbs, calls for federal rules.

"We do not believe a patchwork or state-by-state approach will work," GE spokeswoman Kim Freeman told USA Today.

If a CFL breaks, the EPA urges consumers to carefully clean glass fragments and powder and air out the room at least 15 minutes.