On average, how many milligrams of mercury are present in CFL bulbs?

The average amount of mercury present in compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) is approximately 4 milligrams. This level of mercury is considerably lower than what was commonly found in older fluorescent tubes, making CFLs a more environmentally friendly lighting option.

Understanding the context of mercury in CFLs is crucial. While CFLs do contain mercury, which is toxic in larger quantities, the amount used is carefully regulated and minimized to reduce environmental hazards. This is important for promoting safer disposal methods and recycling programs. The presence of mercury in CFLs allows them to operate efficiently while still providing significant energy savings and longer lifespans compared to incandescent bulbs.

In contrast, the other quantities mentioned are either underestimated or overestimated based on the current regulations and manufacturing practices. The choice of 4 milligrams accurately reflects the average and accepted range of mercury content in these types of bulbs.