#EndToxicLighting: A Digital Campaign to Phase Out Fluorescents at COP4
At the upcoming Minamata Convention COP4 in March 2022, 137 countries representing more than 6 billion people will vote on a proposed amendment to end exemptions for mercury in fluorescent lighting products.
In the lead-up to COP4, the Clean Lighting Coalition is launching #EndToxicLighting, a digital campaign to amplify the need for an accelerated global transition to LED lighting. From March 2 to 25, #EndToxicLighting will feature a vast array of resources and events, including reports, regionally focused evidence documents, and press from the Clean Lighting Coalition and partners.
Fluorescent bulbs contain mercury, a neurotoxin on the World Health Organization’s top 10 most dangerous chemicals for public health list. When a fluorescent bulb breaks, mercury is released, posing environmental threats and hazards to human health, particularly to the brain development of children and fetuses.
In the past, fluorescent lamps were promoted as an energy-efficient alternative to incandescent and halogen lamps, and the risks associated with mercury in fluorescents were tolerated as a necessary tradeoff. Today, thanks to major advances in light-emitting diode (LED) technology, mercury-free LED lamps can cost-effectively replace fluorescents in virtually all applications. In addition, LEDs last longer than fluorescent lamps, and due to their lower energy consumption, their use results in less mercury and other harmful air pollutants released from coal-burning power plants.
We will highlight the #EndToxicLighting Petition lead by the Climate Action Network, and signed by more than 100 civil society groups and industry, urging Heads of Delegation to the Minamata Convention to end exemptions for fluorescent lighting at COP4.
To participate in or follow along with the campaign, join us in using the hashtag #EndToxicLighting. You can also support the clean lighting transition by signing the #EndToxicLighting petition.
Read the campaign factsheet to learn more.