An Electronic waste expert, Dr Ifeanyi Ochonogor, has cautioned
Nigerians on usage and disposal of energy conserving bulbs, saying
they contain several carcinogenic chemicals which are injurious to
human health.
Ochonogor told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on
Saturday that a lot of scientific studies had been performed on
mercury in the Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFLs).
CFLs is popularly known as energy conserving bulbs.
”Mercury from CFLs can cause cancer and various diseases.
”When you break CFLs, an explosion of toxic chemicals ensue and
mercury is the last thing anybody wants to inhale.
“CFLs also cause lethargy, headaches and dizziness. We need to
be watchful of what we buy, use and consume,” Ochonogor, Founder,
Ewaste Relief Foundation, warned.
He said that CFLs were widespread on the African continent due
to lack of awareness.
Quoting a foreign publication, Daily Mail, he said some German
Scientists claimed that several carcinogenic chemicals and toxins
were released when CFLs were switched on including: Phenol,
Nepthalene, Styrene, and Mercury Vapour.
Ochonogor, also the Chief Executive Officer of E-Terra, said
that improper disposal of CFLs and the possibilities of spreading
the mercury and contaminated glass, were another major
challenges.
According to him, broken CFLs pieces are usually thrown away in
the dustbins or trash cans, thus poisoning the ecosystem.
Ochonogor said that there was need to proffer possible strategic
solutions toward the usage and safe disposal of energy saving light
bulbs due to the mercury in it.
The expert said that in the first quarter of 2019 a solution to
the light bulb problem was developed by investing so much to
protect children and our future.
He said that the foundation was ready to collaborate with the
governments at all levels and corporate bodies toward proffering
lasting solutions through massive and aggressive campaigns for
proper sorting of hazardous variations of waste.
The expert said there was also need to partner with the local
governments and the state government agencies like Lagos Waste
Management Agency (LAWMA) and Lagos State Environment Protection
Agency (LASEPA).
Ochonogor lauded the Federal Government for sponsoring the Data
Protection Bill through the National Information and Technology
Development Agency (NITDA) now before the National Assembly.
The expert said that there were also jobs and business
opportunities in the areas of safe collection and specialised
disposal through enlightenment of putting used bulbs in their packs
and deposit them in designated places.
According to him, people that invented the CFLs were right in
the area of energy conservation, but the energy conservation
affects human health negatively.
He said that the manufacturers have not allowed sufficient
amount of time to study the effects of the innovations on consumers
before releasing them for use.
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