THE NATIONAL (DIS)TRUST
Nice non-work if you can get it! The National Trust is giving its 170 employees in Northern Ireland the day off on Friday - but asking them to do something to improve the environment. In a campaign called "Leap forward for the climate", the charity wants its workers to use 29 February to help reduce their carbon footprint. It is also urging its 260 volunteers in Northern Ireland to take the day off and try to lead greener lives. All workers will be encouraged to switch to low-energy light bulbs and make other home improvements on their day off.
I wonder has anyone told t
he National Trust that the energy-saving, mercury-containing CFLs can cause health hazards, especially for children and pregnant women, suggesting use of the bulbs over carpeted areas should be avoided. If bulbs break over carpeted areas, the cleanup may require cutting out pieces of the carpet to avoid toxic exposures.Mercury is needed for the lamps to produce light, and there are currently no known substitutes. Small amounts of the toxic substance is vaporized when they break, which can happen if people screw them in holding the glass instead of the base or just drop them. Mercury is a naturally occurring metal that accumulates in the body and can harm the nervous system of a fetus or young child if ingested in sufficient quantity.
I wonder if NT workers could sue the NT for encouraging them to engage in such dangerous behaviour? Must remember not to give any more money to this organisation - if they can afford to give their employees time off for such indulgences.they clearly already must have enough cash.
David Vance
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Mercury is also used in teeth fillings. Maybe we should all sue our dentists.
All workers will be encouraged to switch to low-energy light bulbs and make other home improvements on their day off.
Our green minister for environment in the ROI here recently announced plans to ban old fashioned light bulbs in favour of these low energy jobs. He obviously wasnt aware of the requirement to leave a room for 15 mins after one break. Nor had he thought of how they might be disposed of.
Peter, the mercury used in amalgam fillings is dangerous and dentists have known this for years. It's why the switch away from mercury-based fillings is being done quietly lest the BDA be sued for its connivance in a dangerous practice. I recall a report that dentists do not allow mwrcury fillings to be used on their own children - worth a google.