HOW MUCH MERCURY IS IN A CFL BULB?
CFL bulbs contain a very small amount (4-6 mg) of elemental mercury inside the glass tubing. As a comparison, an oral thermometer can contain about 500 mg of elemental mercury.
DOES MERCURY IN A CFL BULB PUT ME AT RISK?
When bulbs remain intact there is not a risk of being exposed to mercury. On the other hand, if a bulb or other mercury containing product breaks, the risk of being exposed is by possibly inhaling vapors in the air.
Exposure to the skin from brief handling is considered non-toxic because elemental mercury is poorly absorbed through the skin.
WHY SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT MERCURY?
Given improper cleanup or long term exposure the symptoms of mercury poisoning are: shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, metallic taste, and headache.
HOW DO I PREVENT BREAKAGE OF CFL BULBS?
- Only handle bulbs after they have been cooled.
- Do not over tighten bulbs, screw in only until snug.
- Use CFL bulbs with glass or plastic covers over the spiral tube, they are more durable.
- Consider using a disposable cloth or towel under the bulb when changing it so if it breaks, it can be easily managed.
HOW SHOULD I CLEAN UP A BROKEN CFL BULB?
- Open a window or door to ventilate the room and if practical turn off the heating/cooling system.
- Do not vacuum or use a broom as it may spread the powder or vapor.
- For hard surfaces use stiff cardboard to scoop up broken pieces and use a sticky tape such as duct tape to pick up any remaining glass or powder. Using a flashlight may help to visualize the tiny beads of mercury.
- Wet wipes or wet paper towels can be used to clean hard surfaces and can then be discarded.
- Place all contaminated items in a plastic trash bag, seal with duct tape and place in the outdoor trash or bring to a disposal site in your area.
- Wash skin well with soap and water after cleanup.
- If a spill involves a large volume of mercury or a large surface area, consider using a professional cleaning company who is licensed in environmental mercury cleanup.
- You may also access these clean-up guidelines online at: www.epa.gov/cfl/cleaning-broken-cfl