NALMCO Certified Apprentice Lighting Technician (CALT) Practice Exam

Which method is encouraged to decrease the risk of mercury exposure?

1. Regularly checking all lighting fixtures

2. Using LED alternatives instead of traditional bulbs

3. Storing lamps in a cool, dark place

4. Always replacing bulbs immediately when burnt out

The correct answer is: Using LED alternatives instead of traditional bulbs

Using LED alternatives instead of traditional bulbs is encouraged to decrease the risk of mercury exposure primarily because LED bulbs do not contain mercury, unlike many traditional fluorescent lamps. Mercury is a hazardous material found in certain types of lighting, and exposure to it can be harmful to both human health and the environment. The transition to LED lighting helps to eliminate the potential for mercury release during use and disposal, significantly reducing the overall risk. Additionally, LED bulbs are more energy-efficient, which can lead to fewer light sources needing to be replaced over time. This contributes not only to lower energy consumption but also to less waste that may contain harmful substances. In contrast, while regularly checking lighting fixtures, storing lamps in a cool, dark place, and replacing burnt-out bulbs promptly are good practices for maintenance and safety, they do not fundamentally address the issue of mercury exposure from the lighting products themselves. These methods focus more on the upkeep of existing systems rather than reducing the inherent risk associated with the materials used in traditional lighting solutions.