Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

• Compact fluorescent light bulbs, or CFLs, run on electricity. They are an energy-efficient alternative to traditional incandescent light bulbs, according to GE Lighting.
  
  

How They Work

• A CFL contains gas that produces ultraviolet light when excited by electricity. The ultraviolet light passes through the white coating on the CFL, which transforms it into visible light.
  
  

Fire Danger

• Because compact fluorescent light bulbs do not get as hot as incandescent bulbs, they present less of a fire danger than traditional bulbs.
  
  

Overheating

• If part of a CFL's electronic components fails, popping and sizzling sounds can occur inside the bulb. The bulb could become discolored and might smoke. However, as long as the bulb is not broken, there is little fire danger.
  
  

Considerations

• It is important to handle and dispose of an overheated compact fluorescent light bulb carefully, because the bulb contains a small amount of mercury. Take care not to break the bulb.