Colorado Revised Statutes Title 25. Health § 25-5-1402. Legislative declaration

(a) Mercury is a potent and persistent neurotoxin that causes harm to human nervous systems, immune systems, and organ function and impairs fetal and child development;

(b) Accelerating the phase-out of general-purpose fluorescent light bulbs containing toxic mercury will protect worker health and public health, including during the manufacture, distribution, use, collection, disposal, and recycling of the light bulbs;

(c) Fluorescent bulbs have long provided a valuable service, but cleaner, safer alternatives have become widely available and affordable;

(d) Mercury-free LED replacements for general-purpose fluorescent bulbs provide the same or better lighting service, longer product life, and much lower total cost; and

(e) According to a study from the Appliance Standards Awareness Project, accelerating the phase-out of most general-purpose fluorescent lighting for sale in Colorado will prevent one hundred sixty-seven pounds of mercury and two million one hundred thousand metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions from entering the environment and lead to five hundred seventy-two million dollars in net utility bill savings for Colorado businesses and residents.