Introduction
Broken compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs can release mercury vapor into the air. Mercury exposure is a serious health concern, so it’s important to clean up broken CFL bulbs properly. Here is an in-depth guide on preventing mercury vapor exposure when dealing with broken CFL bulbs.
How Do CFL Bulbs Contain Mercury?
CFL bulbs produce light differently than traditional incandescent bulbs. They pass electricity through mercury vapor, which produces ultraviolet light that then gets absorbed and re-emitted by the bulb’s phosphor coating as visible light.
Each CFL bulb contains around 4 milligrams of mercury sealed within the glass tubing. When the bulb breaks, this mercury can be released as vapor into the air. Mercury vapor is colorless and odorless, so you can’t detect its presence just by sight or smell.
Health Dangers of Mercury Exposure
Mercury is a heavy metal that can cause toxic effects in the body through inhalation, ingestion, or dermal contact. Short-term exposure to high levels of mercury vapors can cause:
- Lung damage
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Increases in blood pressure and heart rate
Long-term mercury exposure, even at low vapor levels over time, can lead to serious health problems such as:
- Neurological disorders
- Cognitive and motor function impairment
- Kidney damage
- Headaches
- Poor immune function
The developing brains of fetuses and young children are the most vulnerable to mercury’s neurotoxic effects. Pregnant women and parents of young children must take extra precautions when cleaning broken CFL bulbs.
How to Clean Up a Broken CFL Bulb
Follow these steps to safely clean up a broken CFL bulb:
1. Open windows and leave the room
As soon as a CFL bulb breaks, carefully leave the room and ventilate the area by opening windows and doors. Leave the room for at least 15 minutes to allow any initial mercury vapor to dissipate.
2. Turn off HVAC systems
Turn off forced air heating and air conditioning systems that could spread vapors throughout the house. Only ventilation with outside air can dilute the mercury concentration.
3. Gather necessary cleanup supplies
Before starting cleanup, gather the following supplies:
- Plastic bags, damp paper towels, rubber gloves
- Wide masking tape, duct tape, or painter’s tape
- A flashlight to locate broken glass and powder
- A damp sponge, mop, or broom
Do not use vacuums or mechanical brooms, as they can spread mercury vapors.
4. Pick up broken glass and powder carefully
Use stiff paper or cardboard to scoop up glass fragments and powder. Place debris in a sealed plastic bag. Use sticky tape to pick up fine particles. Wipe the area with a damp paper towel and discard in the plastic bag.
5. Double bag all waste
Place all cleanup materials (gloves, paper, towels) into the plastic bag. Seal the bag and then seal it again in a second plastic bag. Label it as hazardous waste.
6. Ventilate area for several hours after cleanup
After cleanup, keep windows open and fans running for at least several hours. The EPA recommends ventilation for 24-48 hours if possible. Avoid breathing deeply in the area.
Proper Mercury Waste Disposal
Most municipal household hazardous waste programs accept compact fluorescent bulbs. Locate the nearest disposal facility and take the double-sealed plastic bags there immediately after cleanup.
If no disposal programs are available in your area, contact your local waste management authority for advice. Some landfills have special protocols for disposing of small amounts of hazardous waste.
Prevention Tips
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Handle CFL bulbs carefully and replace them over a protective surface where possible.
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Consider switching to LED lights which do not contain mercury.
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Ventilate areas thoroughly if a bulb breaks, and restrict access, especially for pregnant women and children, until the area is cleared of vapor.
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Learn and follow the recommended mercury spill cleanup procedures so you can respond quickly and safely.
Conclusion
Broken CFL bulbs can release toxic mercury vapor into the air. By airing out rooms immediately, carefully collecting all debris, ventilating spaces for hours after cleanup, and properly disposing of waste, you can prevent or limit mercury vapor exposure. Handle broken bulbs with caution, especially if pregnant women or young children could be exposed.
