What If Cfl Light Bulb Breaks

Content from a broken light bulb apparently results in a wide overestimation of air concentrations of hg over time.

What if cfl light bulb breaks.

As soon as that bulb breaks you ll want to let the room air out for about 15 minutes. Indeed most of the released hg may re condense due to the low volatility of hg. Cfls and the other light bulbs listed above contain a small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing. Fluorescent light bulbs contain a small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing.

When a bulb breaks in your home some of this mercury may be released as mercury vapor. Measured data suggest that a broken cfl may. Under the same assumptions the electricity required to power a 60 watt incandescent bulb for its lifetime would release about 4 4 milligrams of mercury into the atmosphere dwarfing the impact of cfls with respect to the nation s overall mercury footprint. This cleanup guidance represents minimum recommended actions to reduce mercury exposure and will be updated as more efficient practices are identified.

It s true that cfl bulbs do contain a small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing and it can be released as vapor after a breakage. The broken bulb can continue to release mercury vapor until it is cleaned up and removed. Do not use a vacuum cleaner to clean up the breakage. But the danger can be minimized if you act quickly and follow a proper cleanup process.

When a fluorescent bulb breaks in your home some of this mercury is released as mercury vapor. Around the world governments have passed measures to phase out incandescent light bulbs in favor of the more energy efficient cfls. If you break a thermometer you think may contain mercury call immediately to report the spill. For more information about the dangers of mercury please visit the epa s website.

Cfls contain mercury a potentially dangerous substance that escapes from broken cfls into the immediate surroundings and therefore the breakage of a cfl bulb should be handled by carefully. A broken cfl bulb can be dangerous especially for younger kids. The broken bulb can continue to release mercury vapor until it is cleaned up and removed from the residence. To minimize exposure to mercury vapor epa recommends that residents follow the cleanup and disposal steps described on this page.

If you break a cfl or other fluorescent bulb follow the instructions below to keep your family home and environment safe from toxic mercury. What if one breaks. Even if a cfl breaks total emissions are only about 1 4 milligrams.