DOE sets new mercury, color requirements for CFLs

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced in March more stringent requirements for compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) bearing the ENERGY STAR label.

Effective November 2008, all ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs must be tested by an independent third party. As of December 2, 2008, all will be required to contain less than 5 milligrams of mercury per bulb – and meet more stringent lamp color requirements.

In addition, CFLs with reflectors, such as spotlights, will have to meet new high-heat testing requirements. The criteria will also expand to include CFLs with a smaller screw-in base, called a “candelabra” base.

Source: Focus on Energy

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