The energy crisis has given rise to a growing set of energy myths. In this article, researcher Evan Mills of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Environmental Energy Technologies Division reviews the myths and then lay out the facts. When my appliance is turned off, it s off. These products draw power 24 hours a day, often without the knowledge of the consumer.
Fluorescent lighting is unhealthy.
Today s fluorescents have greatly improved color quality. And the annoying flicker and hum has been eliminated from fluorescents that use electronic ballasts. Of course, fluorescents are more efficient than standard incandescent lighting. Because they require less electricity, fluorescents generate less power plant pollution, emissions which have many known health effects. Flourescent lights also contain small amounts of mercury, and should be disposed of properly.