The tiny amount of mercury youre exposed to when breaking a cfl is. On the other hand, fluorescent bulbs last so much longer than do regular, or incandescent. The energy efficiency of cfls may be significant, but unlike traditional light bulbs, there is a hidden danger sealed inside each little bulb that requires special handling and disposal. Compact fluorescent light bulbs cfls use 75 percent less energy.
If a fluorescent light comes crashing down onto your kitchen floor. Nbc report of the dangers when a cfl bulb breaks because of its mercury content. You can also consult your physician about potential health effects from mercury exposures. I read on here recently of a woman who broke a compact fluorescent tube in her bedroom. Cleaning up a broken cfl compact fluorescent light bulbs. Mercury exposure breaking any kind of light bulb makes a mess, but with a fluorescent it also means mercury vapors. After i bought a few compact fluorescent light cfl bulbs, i heard they contain mercury.
Compact fluorescent light bulbs cfls use dramatically less energy. Compact fluorescent light bulbs cfls and tubes contain mercury. Keep in mind that in california fluorescent bulbs and tubes are prohibited from trash. If you break one, use these instructions to clean up. They use less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs while producing the same amount of light. On the one hand, fluorescent bulbs contain toxic materials that can be released when the bulb is dumped. Albeit while talking about tubular fluorescent light bulbs, things can take a very serious turn, mostly. Why is it important to clean up a broken cfl properly. You can call your center any time you have questions or in an emergency. A number of readers were alarmed that cfl bulbs contained hazardous mercury, and were worried about being exposed to it. Can a broken thermometer or light bulb cause mercury poisoning.
In fact, the mercury, which is a neurotoxin that can cause a variety of damaging effects on your health, can linger for up to four hours after the glass is swept up, according to one study. Is breaking a fluorescent light bulb dangerous answers. This makes them breakable, and when they do break, they are. Its true that cfl bulbs do contain a small amount of mercury, sealed within the glass. The gas and powder inside the bulb really arent an issue.
How to safely clean up and dispose of a broken fluorescent. Mercury doesnt absorb into the skin easily, so dont freak out if you accidentally touch it, but do avoid breathing the dust or vapors. Fluorescent light bulbs are just about everywhere in offices, homes, retail stores and factories. So why would a single broken bulb in a maine household trigger the states department of environmental. Fluorescent light bulbs, both compact and regular, are more energyefficient than regular bulbs because they produce light differently. The dark side of led lightbulbs scientific american. Compact fluorescent lightbulbs contain a minuscule amount of mercury, and you cant safely ignore potential contact with it. Compact fluorescent light bulbs cfls contain small amounts of mercury. Brandy bridges heard the claims of government officials, environmentalists and retailers like walmart all. Well tonight i ended up breaking one of the large fluorescent tubes in. However, if you are concerned about your health after cleaning up a broken cfl, consult your local poison control center by calling 18002221222. How to clean up a broken fluorescent bulb or tube local. Separating myth from fact on cfl and led light bulbs.
Careful cleanup of broken bulbs can minimize the risk of mercury exposure. Every fluorescent light bulb, has a drop of mercury in it. Answer fluorescent bulbs contain mercury vapor and. Around the world, governments have passed measures to phase out incandescent light. If a fluorescent light bulb breaks, it must be picked up carefully to avoid exposing your skin to danger. Cfls contain mercury, a potentially dangerous substance that escapes from broken cfls into the immediate surroundings, and therefore the breakage of a cfl bulb. Energysaving light bulbs cfls release dangerous amounts of mercury when broken. How to clean up energyefficient bulbs that break home.
Well tonight i ended up breaking one of the large fluorescent tubes in my kitchen. Energyefficient bulbs are more technologically advanced than traditional incandescent bulbs, but they are usually still made of glass. Wastes in this section are dangerous to you and the environment. Fluorescent light bulbs create light by introducing electricity to a gas inside the light bulb. Cfl bulbs are dangerous because of their mercury content. I am freaking out now and didnt follow proper procedures to clean it up. Cleaning up after these mercuryfilled bulbs is a hassle, but heres how to do it safely. Around the world, governments have passed measures to phase out incandescent light bulbs in favor of the more energyefficient cfls. But breaking a fluorescent bulb or tube is actually dangerous, because fluorescent lighting contains mercury dust, which is harmful to inhale.
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