Caribbean Energy Information System (CEIS)

July 2012

Every consumer would like to enjoy the

benefit of saving a kilowatt here or

there. Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

(CFLs) have been promoted as one of

the most energy efficient light bulbs in

production across the

world. Many have tested

and proven that these bulbs

actually allow savings in

electricity consumption when

compared to the standard Incandescent

bulbs previously used by all

consumers. However, not many

people know whether these

bulbs have any negative impact

on human health and the environment.

In this issue of the CEIS Petroleum

Update, we will outline some key facts

and highlight some of the health

concerns related to the use of Compact

Fluorescent Bulbs.

History of Fluorescent lights.

Geissler Tube

According to fluorescent lamps pioneer,

the earliest form of fluorescent lighting

was invented by physicist Heinrich

Geissler in 1856. Although he was not

intending to create a light source when

he discovered this, he found that a gas-

filled tube would give off a bluish-green

light when stimulated by an electrical

current. This discovery led to develop-

ment in lighting technology with many

CARIBBEAN PETROLEUM UPDATE is a monthly Bulletin which highlights petroleum issues affecting or relevant to the

Caribbean, international developments that may affect the region’s way of life and movements in oil prices and retail prices for fuel regionally.

To access CEIS website

CONTACT US

Caribbean Energy Information System

Scientific Research Council

Hope Gardens, Kingston 6, Jamaica

1-876-927-1779 (Telephone)

1-876-977-1840 (Fax)

ceis@src-jamaica.org

www.ceis-caribenergy.org

continued on page 2/

Is there a Is there a Is there a to pay for to pay for to pay for the use ofthe use ofthe use of

F l u o r e s c e n t B u l b s ?

page 2 Call: 1-876-927-1779 | Caribbean Petroleum Update : July 2012

C A R I B B E A N E N E R G Y I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M ( C E I S )

continued on page 3/

respected scientists including Thomas

Edison attempting to create a bulb that

could compete with the then low price

and effectiveness of the incandescent

bulb.

In 1901 an American inventor named

Peter Cooper Hewitt (U.S. patent

889,692 - first U.S. Patent) developed a

more successful fluorescent bulb using

a sealed tube filled with low pressure

mercury. Even though Hewitt had

developed a much more efficient bulb

compared to other lighting technolo-

gies at the time he was unable to sell

the bulb due to the odd colour of the

lighting it produced. However, in 1926

scientist Edmund Germer was able to

produce a fluorescent bulb that was

sold commercially. This bulb was

developed by increasing the pressure in

the tube to make it more stable then

adding a fluorescent coating that trans-

formed the UV light to a more pleasing

colour.

Further development of the fluorescent

bulb occurred during the energy crisis

in the early 1970s when engineer Ed-

ward E. Hammer while working in

General Electric (GE) lab in Ohio was

assigned the task by GE to work on

energy efficient bulbs. Resulting from

this assignment was the 1973 invention

of a standard-shaped 40-watt fluores-

cent lamp, called the F-40 Watt Miser.

The F-40 Watt Miser had lower power

consumption than the previously devel-

oped fluorescent bulbs and the incan-

descent bulb. Hammer did this by

changing the gas and tweaking various

components inside the lamp.

How does the Fluorescent Bulb

work?

A fluorescent bulb consists of a glass

tube that is filled with mercury vapour

at low pressure. Each end of the tube

has a coiled metal (tungsten) filament

and the inside of the tube is coated with

a phosphorous substance. Once the

light is switched on, an electric current

flows through the filaments causing

them to get hot and glow (like a regular

light bulb). A voltage applied between

the two filaments causes electrons to be

sucked from one filament to the other.

While zipping through the tube,

electrons crash into mercury atoms and

start to glow and send out ultra-violet

(UV) light. This UV light by itself can

cause sun burn. However, the phospho-

rous substance inside the tube allows

phosphorous atoms to absorb the UV

lights and send out the white lights

which illuminates from a fluorescent

tube. The conversion of light from one

type to another is called fluorescence,

which gave the fluorescent lamp its

name.

Why the Fluorescent Bulb is

more energy efficient than an

Incandescent

When compared to an Incandescent

bulb a fluorescent bulb uses less

energy. For the same amount of light

they need less power than the incandes-

cent bulb. A Fluorescent bulb uses

approximately 1/3 the energy used by

the Incandescent and have a longer

service life (8 to 15 times) – the life is

Is there a price to pay for the use of Fluorescent Bulbs?...continued from page 1

Table 1 Figure 1

Light Output (Incandescent Vs CFL) Images of Fluorescent bulbs

Source: http://www.homedepot.com Source: https://www.google.com

Light Output Incandescent Bulb

CFL Equivalent

250 lumens 25 watts 5 watts

800 lumens 60 watts 13—16 watts

1,600 lumens 100 watts 23– 27 watts

2,600 lumens 150 watts 42 watts

Caribbean Petroleum Update : July 2012 | Call: 1-876-927-1779 page 3

C A R I B B E A N E N E R G Y I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M ( C E I S )

Is there a price to pay for the use of Fluorescent Bulbs?...continued from page 2

continued on page 4/

reduced the more often the bulb is

switched on. The Incandescent bulbs

have a very thin tungsten filament that

is housed inside a glass sphere and

typically come in sizes like 60 watt, 75

watt, 100 watt and so on. Electricity

runs through the filament. Because the

filament is so thin, it offers a good

resistance to the electricity, and this

resistance turns electrical energy into

heat. The heat is enough to make the

filament white hot, and the "white" part

illuminates to light. The filament glows

because of the heat. However, the

problem with Incandescent bulbs is that

the heating process wastes a lot of

electricity. Heat is not light, and the

purpose of the light bulb is for light, so

all of the energy spent creating heat is

somewhat wasted. As a result Incan-

descent bulbs are very inefficient. They

produce approximately 15 lumens per

watt of input power.

As explained earlier the fluorescent

bulb on the other-hand uses a com-

pletely different method to produce

light. In the process, less heat is

produced which makes it more energy

efficient. A Fluorescent bulb can

produce between 50 and 100 lumens

per watt. This makes fluorescent bulbs

four to six (4–6) times more efficient

than incandescent bulbs. That's why a

15-watt Fluorescent tube produces the

same amount of light as a 60-watt

incandescent bulb.

Things to consider when purchasing

a Fluorescent bulb

Bulb design – Bulb shape, base type,

and lighting controls

Light Output & Power Consump-

tion – Watts, lumens, equivalent

wattage, lumens per watt and bulb

life

Colour – Soft white, bright white

and daylight

Safety and Recycling – Cleanup and

disposal guidelines

Health concerns regarding the

use of Fluorescent bulbs

Fluorescent tubes contain a small

amount of mercury, which is a toxic

metal. Mercury is a very carcinogenic

substance and has negative effects on

human health. This fact not only com-

plicates their disposal under normal

conditions, the problem is exacerbated

when the lamp is broken and the

mercury is allowed out of the tube. The

symptoms of mercury poisoning typi-

cally include sensory impairment

(vision, hearing, and speech), a lack

of coordination, skin discoloration,

tingling, numbness, itching, burning or

pain, and desquamation (shedding

of skin).

The Mercury in a fluorescent tube is

typically present as either elemental

mercury liquid, vapour, or both, since

the liquid readily evaporates at room

temperature. When broken indoors,

lamps may emit sufficient mercury

vapour to present health concerns.

Breakage of multiple lamps presents a

greater concern. Injection of mercury

into the body through broken glass that

is contaminated is of particular con-

cern. It is also believed that several

carcinogenic chemicals and toxins

(including phenol, naphthalene and

styrene) are released when the environ-

mentally-friendly/energy efficient

Fluorescent lamps are switched on.

Other associated symptoms or health

concerns that have been raised regard-

ing the use of these bulbs include, the

possibility that the bulbs could result in

higher breast cancer rates if used late at

night, the light that Fluorescents emits

closely mimicked daylight thereby dis-

rupting the body's production of the

hormone melatonin, the intense light

could trigger migraines and could

exacerbate a range of existing skin

problems.

Although the Fluorescent bulbs only

contain 4 milligrams of mercury - a

fraction of what you would find in a

standard mercury thermometer or

wristwatch battery, it is advised that

care should be taken with the use of

these bulbs especially in the event of

the tube being broken. The following

are recommended actions to be taken in

the event of a broken Fluorescent tube:

Evacuate the room, taking care not to

step on the broken glass littering the

floor

Ventilate the room for a MINIMUM

of 15 minutes (EPA recommenda-

tion)

DO NOT clean the debris of the

broken lamp with a vacuum cleaner

as this will spread toxic mercury

droplets throughout the house either

immediately or upon the future use of

the vacuum.

Use protective gloves and dump

gloves after use.

Use a broom or brush to sweep the

debris into a dustpan; empty the

contents of the dustpan into a plastic

bag; seal the plastic bag

DO NOT dispose of the plastic bag

into an ordinary refuse receptacle

The debris is a Hazardous Material and

must be disposed of properly.

Depending on the severity of the spill,

a more thorough clean-up regimen may

need to be employed. The use of pri-

vate companies that specializes in this

type of operation may be required.

Mercury is a toxin, and should be

treated with the utmost of care and

respect.

page 4 Call: 1-876-927-1779 | Caribbean Petroleum Update : July 2012

C A R I B B E A N E N E R G Y I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M ( C E I S )

Conclusion

Caribbean Countries have been on the move towards increased use of energy

efficient bulbs including the most popular - Fluorescent. These bulbs come in a range

of shapes, sizes, colour temperatures, and brightness levels, making it simple to

replace most Incandescent bulbs with a Fluorescent alternative. Although these bulbs

cost more, they are significantly more energy efficient than the standard Incandescent

bulbs. However, little has been done to outline the hazards that exist and possible

health implications associated with the use of these bulbs. The mercury contained in

the bulbs can cause serious health problems more so if the bulbs are broken. Many

Caribbean Nationals are not aware of proper ways in which to dispose of these bulbs

and the necessary steps to take in cleaning up the broken debris in the event the bulb

is broken. This along with the fact that there are possible health effects associated the

use of these bulbs places the nationals at greater risks. In addition, there are no exist-

ing disposal/recycling facilities in the region to recycle these bulbs. It is therefore

imperative that Governments of the region in their move towards a sustainable

energy future not only encouraging the use of these energy efficient bulbs, but in the

process educate the public regarding the associated health implications with mercury;

proper use and disposal of the damaged bulbs; and most importantly provide the

necessary infrastructure to properly dispose of or recycle them.

Is there a price to pay for the use of Fluorescent Bulbs?...continued from page 3

CFL outshines incandescent bulbs

What Color Would Work Best For My Use?

With CFLs you have options for your white light. Light color is

measured on the Kelvin scale (K). As you see below, lower

numbers mean the light appears yellowish and higher numbers

mean the light is whiter or bluer. Learn more.

Warm White,

Soft White

Standard color of incandes-cent bulbs.

Cool White,

Bright White

Good for kitch-ens and work

spaces.

Natural

or Daylight

Good for reading.

2700K 3000K 3500K 4100K 5000K 6500K

CLF Color & MoodCLF Color & Mood CFLs are available in a wide variety of shades of white light, ranging from yellow-

ish to white to bluish white light, which allows you to customize the mood of your

space. Many CFLs come in "warm" colors to match the yellowish light of incan-

descent bulbs, but you can also choose "cooler" colors with whiter or bluer light.

SOURCE: www.cflknowhow.org

Caribbean Petroleum Update : July 2012 | Call: 1-876-927-1779 page 5

C A R I B B E A N E N E R G Y I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M ( C E I S )

CC A R I BA R I B PP E T R O L E U ME T R O L E U M NN E W SE W S & H& H A P P E N I N G SA P P E N I N G S

CUBA

India to cooperate with Cuba in energy, telecom

and tourism >> 14/07/2012

JAMAICA

JPS pays $18.42 for each kilowatt hour sold to

grid >> 23/07/2012

Net Billing purchase price of Energy

>>20/07/2012

Paulwell to seitch power pricing policy >>

16/07/2012

Electricity rates not falling along with fuel costs

>> 12/07/2012

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

The Trinidad's energy sector contracts in first

quarter of 2012 >> 03/07/2012

INTERNATIONAL

Nigeria's booming illegal oil refineries >>

26/07/2012

Providence Resources finds 'more than 1bn bar-

rels of oil' off Irish coast >> 25/07/2011

Warning over oil production drop >>21/07/2012

Oil prices could be rigged by traders warns G20

report >> 16/07/2012

Image source: www.solarbuzzjamaica.com

page 6 Call: 1-876-927-1779 | Caribbean Petroleum Update : July 2012

C A R I B B E A N E N E R G Y I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M ( C E I S )

REGULAR UNLEADED GASOLINE AVERAGE PRICES AT THE PUMP

July 2012

Retail prices for Regular Unleaded Gasoline in the sixteen Caribbean countries at the end of July 2012 reflected decreases in

prices in twelve countries when compared to the previous month. Slight increases in prices were seen in two countries

(St. Lucia and St. Vincent & the Grenadines) while the other two countries (Antigua & Barbuda and Trinidad & Tobago)

saw prices remaining relatively stable. The prices seen in July 2012 have been the lowest prices seen over the 3 months

prior - a welcome change for consumers in the region.

NOTE:

*US Gallon =

3.785 L

*Imperial Gallon =

4.546 L

*As at November

1, 2009 MTBE

was phased out

from all gasoline

blends in Jamaica

and replaced with

10% Ethanol.

CHART:

See prices for all products at See prices for all products at See prices for all products at www.cippet.orgwww.cippet.orgwww.cippet.org ...

Regular Unleaded Gasoline Average Retail Price (US$/Litre) 2012

COUNTRIES JAN FEB MAR 7 Mths AVG

APR MAY JUN JUL

ANTIGUA/ BARBUDA 1.23 1.23 1.23 1.23 1.23 1.23 1.23 1.23

BAHAMAS [91 OCT] 1.33 1.35 1.44 1.41 1.46 1.47 1.46 1.39

BARBADOS 1.55 1.59 1.66 1.68 1.72 1.77 1.78 1.70

BELIZE [87 OCT] 1.41 1.45 1.51 1.49 1.54 1.55 1.49 1.47

B.V.I [87 OCT] 1.26 1.27 1.29 1.28 1.29 1.29 1.29 1.24

DOMINICA 1.12 1.14 1.19 1.22 1.25 1.30 1.33 1.22

GRENADA (95 OCT) 1.23 1.28 1.36 1.34 1.42 1.42 1.36 1.28

GUYANA 1.11 1.08 1.09 1.11 1.09 1.16 1.17 1.07

JAMAICA 87 Octane[E10] 1.23 1.30 1.32 1.30 1.37 1.32 1.27 1.26

MONTSERRAT 1.19 1.21 1.29 1.31 1.39 1.41 1.4 1.28

ST. KITTS/ NEVIS 1.20 1.19 1.32 1.25 1.29 1.28 1.24 1.22

ST. LUCIA 1.21 1.22 1.22 1.24 1.24 1.25 1.27 1.28

ST. VINCENT/ GRENADINES 1.19 1.16 1.13 1.18 1.17 1.21 1.17 1.21

SURINAME [95 OCT] 1.40 1.43 1.49 1.47 1.52 1.54 1.46 1.43

TRINIDAD/ TOBAGO [92 OCT] 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42

TURKS/ CAICOS 1.58 1.58 1.61 1.65 1.70 1.78 1.68 1.60

0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

1.2

1.4

1.6

1.8

US$

/Lit

re

16 Caribbean Countries

Comparative Retail Pump PricesRegular Unleaded Gasoline

JULY Avg vs7 Mths Avg (Jan - July 2012)

JUL

AVG

Caribbean Petroleum Update : July 2012 | Call: 1-876-927-1779 page 7

C A R I B B E A N E N E R G Y I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M ( C E I S )

International Crude Oil prices over the three months

period May—Jul. 2012 saw prices in Jul averaging at

US$87.78/BBL. When compared to the average

prices seen in May and June, this average price was

4.6% lower than May’s and 6.7% higher than June’s

average price. The highest price seen in Jul was

US$90.34/BBL in the third week. This price was ap-

proximately 6.9% lower than the highest price seen

over the three months period (first week of May

US$96.98/BBL).

Featured Offers:Featured Offers:Featured Offers:

Caribbean Energy Information System (CEIS)

primary report of historical annual petroleum energy

statistics provided for 18 Caribbean Countries.

Included are data on total energy production,

consumption, and trade; overviews of petroleum,

natural gas, electricity, as well as financial and

environmental indicators for over twenty years.

US$/B

BL

76.19

88.14

109.61

38

48

58

68

78

88

98

108

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Yr Avg

US$

/BBL

Period

Average Monthly World Crude Oil Prices (2009 - 2011)

2009 2010 2011

Subscriptions If you wish to subscribe (free of charge) or cancel your

subscription to the CARIBBEAN PETROLEUM UPDATE, send us an email at:

ceis@src-jamaica.org

See CEIS FOR MORE: www.ceis-caribenergy.org

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and Subscribe to our RSS Feed

96.98

84.43

90.34

50.00

55.00

60.00

65.00

70.00

75.00

80.00

85.00

90.00

95.00

100.00

WK 1 WK 2 WK 3 WK 4 Mth Avg

US$

/BBL

Period

Average Weekly & MonthlyCrude Oil Prices(May Jul 2012)

May 2012 Jun 2012 Jul 2012