Q. Compact fluorescent light bulbs are supposedly better for the environment because they use less electricity. But they also contain mercury, which can pollute water. Are they still better for the environment?
A. While it is true that compact fluorescent lights contain small amounts of the toxic metal mercury, using them actually contributes less mercury to the environment than using regular, incandescent bulbs, said Faramarz Vakili, associate director of the UW-Madison Physical Plant.
Office of Strategic Communication