CFLs contain very small amounts of mercury in order to obtain optimum energy conversion in the light generation process. A number of country and regional regulators that have initiated market transformation programs towards efficient lighting have or are in the process of limiting mercury concentrations in CFLs. In addition in February 2009, the
Governing Council of UNEP agreed on the need to develop a
global legally binding instrument on mercury.
In some regions, which have initiated efficient lighting policies, the focus on environment health and safety issues was also extended to cover specific health related concerns with regard to the use of artificial light including light intensity, alleged stroboscopic effects, light sensitivity or lupus syndrome, UV limits, influence on melatonin and effects of electromagnetic fields.
In view of all the above developments, the Consumer, Environmental Protection and Recycling Taskforce reviews scientific data and other publications and develops science-based recommendations on lifecycle issues in lighting, its environmental, health and safety aspects and general consumer concerns regarding lighting including use of mercury, recycling and end-of-life treatment.