CFL Bulb that Doesn't Break

While we love compact fluorescent bulbs, it's absolutely tragic (and dangerous) when one breaks. Not only have you lost $3, but you're now inhaling toxic chemicals. Luckily, with a few extra bucks, we don't have to worry about broken bulbs.

ClearLite makes a CFL bulb that has an unbreakable safety shell, preventing mercury from escaping. Even if the bulb inside shatters, the ArmorLite's silicone skin stays intact. As you all probably know already, standard CFL bulbs can shatter easily, which then requires anyone in the room to open the windows and leave the room for 15 minutes.

ArmorLite CFLs are available in "natural soft white" and "natural brite white" and sell for $8. Aside from the price, the other bummer is that while standard CFLs can be recycled, the silicone skin on the ArmorLite requires extra steps in the recycling process. It's unclear, in the quick googling I did, whether or not those extra steps are available in current recycling programs.

If you do break a traditional CFL, here's how to safely clean up.

via cnet

(Image: Paul Keller)

Comments (3)

Too much work and money

Too much money? If this one lasts like the CFLs I've bought before, that $8 is going to last four year with nearly constant use.

I wouldn't recommend throwing out every bulb in your house and replacing them right this second (talk about wasteful) but this seems like a pretty good idea for replacing bulbs as they naturally burn out. Depends on how the skin effects the lighting, really.

This is an interesting idea, and I wonder if you could DIY it at home. Would wrapping a bulb in tape work?