Current Incandescent and Halogen Lamps

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Although most incandescent lamps no longer contain lead solder, a few lamp types designed for high temperature operation still contain a small amount of lead solder in the lamp base. Disposal of these few remaining lead-solder based incandescent lamp types may require some commercially regulated users to dispose of these products as hazardous or universal waste. USA Section 3 – Lamp Composition and Detailed Ingredient Information General Lamp Composition Glass and other Common Materials Incandescent and Halogen lamps are composed of a standard lime glass envelope or a heat- resistant glass envelope surrounding a tungsten wire filament. Certain automotive lamps have an amber glass envelope for use on automobiles where required by the Department of Transportation. Depending on the lamp type, the envelope is either clear or coated with a diffusing material. Diffusing Material If the coating is on the interior of the lamp, it is either specially prepared Kaolin clay (Frosted, Standard or Soft-White lamps) or a mixture of Kaolin clay and a pigment (Dawn Pink and Bug Yellow). If the coating is on the exterior of the lamp, it consists of a fired glass material containing a suitable pigment. Metals In addition to the tungsten lamp filament, other wires made from molybdenum, copper, iron, and/or nickel are used as support wires or for electrical connections. Lamp bases may be either brass or aluminum. Lamps may be manufactured with or without bases.