There are millions of general service fluorescent tubes in the market place today, until recently these were considered the most energy efficient lighting solution available. The disadvantage to this form of lighting is that each light tube contains a small amount of mercury vapour, a toxic heavy metal. This can provide not just a health risk when the tubes are broken, however it can also accumulate in landfills before entering the water table or causing further pollution.
Recent developments in SMD (Surface Mount Diode) LED technology have now meant that 4 foot LED tubes are now a reality. LEDs are a more efficient form of lighting product consisting of small chips of conductive material that release light when a current is applied to them. They contain no filaments and can produce up to 25 times more light per watt than conventional light bulbs.
4 foot LED fluorescent tubes require far less energy in their manufacture than fluorescent tubes, and only 3% of the energy they will consume over their life expectancy is consumed in their manufacture, and they are also produced from non toxic materials. The light tubes are made from polycarbonate, a material which is more robust and durable than glass, so accidents will not need special cleanup procedures.
While LED technology is more expensive than existing fluorescents at face value, they will last up to 10 times as long, while consuming 65% less energy. In most general purpose lighting applications the additional cost of the LED 4 foot fluorescent tubes will more than pay for itself within the first 18 months.
The only drawback is the tighter beam angle of the LEDs, while some tubes are manufactured from a polycarbonate light diffusing material, others have a narrow focus which may not be suitable for replacing existing tubes. Many fluorescent fixtures are designed with reflectors that help to distribute the light from the tubes evenly in their intended environment.
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