What is Mercury and Why is it used in CFL Bulbs?
Mercury is a heavy metal that is found naturally in the environment. It is used in compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs to help produce visible light.
When an electrical current passes through the mercury vapor in a CFL bulb, it produces ultraviolet light that then causes the bulb’s fluorescent coating to glow, or fluoresce, producing visible light. The mercury allows the bulb to be an efficient light source while using less energy than incandescent bulbs.
Concerns about Mercury Exposure from Broken CFL Bulbs
If a CFL bulb breaks, it releases mercury vapor into the air. Mercury exposure can be hazardous to human health, especially to the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and immune system of people of all ages.
The major concerns are:
-
Inhalation: Breathing in mercury vapor can be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause health issues.
-
Skin contact: Touching mercury from a broken bulb can allow it to be absorbed through the skin.
-
Contamination: Surface areas where the broken bulb releases mercury can become contaminated. Food or objects in contaminated areas can also become dangerous to handle.
-
Clean up difficulty: Cleaning up a broken CFL bulb takes meticulous care to contain and remove all mercury. Improper clean up can spread mercury further.
Precautions when Changing or Handling CFL Bulbs
Here are some tips to prevent breakage and mercury exposure when using CFL bulbs:
-
Handle with care – Grip bulbs by the base, not the glass. Unpack and install bulbs carefully.
-
Choose appropriate fixtures – Select enclosed fixtures that will prevent breakage. Avoid using CFLs in table lamps or fixtures that can be easily knocked over.
-
Keep pets and children away during changing to avoid accidental breakage.
-
Change bulbs over a work surface – Lay down newspapers or plastic sheeting to catch debris if a break does occur.
-
Recycle old bulbs properly – Most municipal recycling centers accept CFLs. Seal bulbs in a plastic bag before disposal to contain mercury.
What to do if a CFL Bulbs Breaks
If a CFL bulb breaks, follow these steps immediately:
-
Ventilate the room – Carefully open windows and leave the area for at least 15 minutes. The longer mercury vapor is in the air, the greater the exposure risk.
-
Shut off central heating/air-conditioning – This prevents contaminated air from circulating through the ventilation system.
-
Wear gloves – Avoid direct skin contact with mercury. Nitrile gloves are ideal.
-
Scoop up debris with stiff paper or cardboard – Avoid using a vacuum cleaner which could spread mercury vapor.
-
Use sticky tape to pick up fine particles – Tape can help clean up hard-to-see shards and powder.
-
Wipe the area with a damp disposable cloth or paper towels – Carefully contain the waste to avoid further contamination.
-
Place all cleanup materials in a sealed plastic bag and dispose of properly. Double or triple bagging is best.
-
Monitor the area for lingering odor, vapors or dust – Consult an expert if uncertainty remains about thorough clean up.
Preventing Exposure through Proper Disposal
To eliminate the risk of breakage and mercury release into the environment, CFL bulbs should always be disposed of properly at the end of their lifespan. Follow these guidelines:
-
Check if your local waste utility or hardware/home store accepts CFLs. Many retailers recycle CFL bulbs for free.
-
Seal used bulbs in a plastic zip bag and label it before placing in the trash if recycling is unavailable.
-
Avoid putting used CFL bulbs in glass recycling bins. The bulbs can break and contaminate other recyclable materials.
Proper CFL bulb use, clean up, and disposal will help limit mercury exposure. The minimal amounts of mercury in modern bulbs make them safe to use with appropriate handling.
