Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) use dramatically less energy than incandescent bulbs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But they also contain mercury a dangerous toxin.If a CFL breaks, some of the mercury that’s contained in the bulb will evaporate into the air.
Is it dangerous to break a fluorescent light bulb?
The mercury released from broken bulb is mostly in vapor form. If properly cleaned up, broken bulbs or CFLs do not pose a serious health risk. Though the amount of mercury released from a broken tube or CFL is small, proper disposal of the broken tube or CFL and minimization of personal exposure are necessary.
What do you do if you break a fluorescent light bulb?
Wipe up the broken glass and powder, seal them in a container and dispose of them. Check with your local government about disposal requirements. Some communities require that trashed fluorescent bulbs (broken or unbroken) be taken to a local recycling center.
Is it safe to smash fluorescent tubes?
Fluorescent tubes contain mercury, which can be dangerous if released so be careful not to break them.Mercury is toxic, and can cause serious damage to the brain, kidneys, lungs, nervous system and other vital organs. Therefore, fluorescent tubes should always be disposed of properly.
How much mercury is in a 4 foot fluorescent bulb?
The average mercury content of a 4-foot-long bulb manufactured today is approximately 12 mg.
Do all fluorescent bulbs contain mercury?
On average, CFLs contain about four milligrams of mercury sealed within the glass tubing.No mercury is released when the bulbs are intact (i.e., not broken) or in use, but mercury vapor and very small beads of mercury can be released when a CFL is broken.
Can one broken CFL bulb cause mercury poisoning?
Some thermometers and light bulbs contain very small amounts of mercury. If you break one, it’s unlikely to cause any health problems. However, you should avoid contact with the mercury and take extra care when cleaning it up.
Why are fluorescent tubes hazardous?
Fluorescent tubes can be very harmful to the environment, wildlife and even humans. Any variety of fluorescent lighting contains mercury, a highly toxic metal. If incorrectly disposed of, mercury can dissipate into the atmosphere which allows it to contaminate water supplies and wildlife.
Will Home Depot take old fluorescent tubes?
If the light bulb is intact, the mercury inside is safely contained, and you can take the old bulb to a qualified recyclerThe Home Depot recycles your old CFLs for free, in partnership with EcoActions. Never dispose of CFLs in the trash or curbside recycling bin.
Can you get mercury poisoning from fluorescent bulb?
Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) contain small amounts of mercury. A small percentage of this mercury can be released into the air if the bulbs are broken.Mercury can cause poisoning in some circumstances. Even so, people are encouraged to replace their “old fashioned” incandescent bulbs with CFLs.
Does mercury vapor go away?
Liquid mercury vaporizes (evaporates) at room temperature causing elevated levels of mercury in indoor air. Mercury vapor is not irritating and has no odor, so people do not know when they are breathing it.
Can you throw away fluorescent bulbs with green ends?
GENERAL SPENT LAMP REQUIREMENTS
Although low-mercury or green-marked lamps may be legally disposed of in dumpsters or discarded with ordinary trash under federal rules, some states have stricter standards.
What is the dust in fluorescent bulbs?
The white powder inside the bulb is a metallic compound called phosphor. How do CFLs work? When a CFL is turned on, electricity causes the mercury vapour to produce short-wave ultraviolet (invisible) light, which then causes the phosphor to fluoresce and produce visible light.
What is the powder in fluorescent tubes?
The white powder that you see inside a fluorescent light bulb is called phosphor, which is a substance that emits visible light whenever it absorbs ultra violet energy waves.
How much mercury vapor is in a fluorescent bulb?
An average of 4 milligrams (mg) of mercury is in a CFL. A mercury thermometer may contain about 500 mg of mercury. About 500 mg to 700 mg or less of mercury is considered a small spill. Some CFLs may contain as little as 1.4 mg to 2.5 mg per light bulb.
How much mercury is in compact fluorescent bulbs?
CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury an average of 4 milligrams in each bulb. No mercury is released when the bulbs are intact or in use.
Why do fluorescent bulbs explode?
According to Pacific Lamp Supply Company, the most common reason that lightbulbs can explode is if the manufacturers don’t put enough insulation at the base of the bulb. This causes the base to melt, and the gas that is stored in the light bulb will leak out.
Can fluorescent lights cause fires?
Overheated fluorescent lights can cause fires! Overheating of the ballast could result in the following: Ignition of nearby combustible materials. Explosion of the ballast due to the generation of gases inside.
Can I recycle fluorescent tubes at Lowes?
Keep in mind Lowe’s stores offer a recycling center (usually near the entrance) that accepts plastic bags, CFL bulbs, rechargeable batteries, and cellphones.Simply bring your items in, follow instructions at the recycling center, or garden center, and Lowe’s will take care of the rest.
How do you clean up a broken mercury light bulb?
DO NOT VACUUM.
Vacuuming could spread mercury-containing powder or mercury vapor. Be thorough in collecting broken glass and visible powder. Scoop up glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard. Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder.
What does mercury do to the human body?
Human health effects of mercury
Mercury and its compounds affect the central nervous system, kidneys, and liver and can disturb immune processes; cause tremors, impaired vision and hearing, paralysis, insomnia and emotional instability.
Contents