You drop a light bulb, it shatters—no big deal, right?
Not if it’s a fluorescent bulb. Invisible toxic mercury fumes could already be in the air around you.
The Hidden Danger Inside Fluorescent Bulbs
Fluorescent lights contain mercury, which is a toxic substance for humans. If a light fixture breaks and mercury leaks, the health impact can be serious. According to the NIH (https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/mercury):
“Mercury is a metal that is toxic to living organisms… Metallic mercury is extremely dangerous with a few drops generating enough fumes to contaminate the air in a room. Furthermore, skin contact with the metal results in the absorption of mercury into the bloodstream and health problems.”
The EPA (https://www.epa.gov/mercury/what-are-connections-between-mercury-and-cfls) explains that compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) contain about four milligrams of mercury sealed inside the glass tubing. By comparison, older thermometers contain about 500 milligrams—over 100 times as much—but even this smaller amount in CFLs can be hazardous if the bulb is broken or improperly disposed of.
When a CFL is intact and in use, no mercury is released. However, a broken bulb can release mercury vapor and tiny beads of mercury into the surrounding air.
If a Bulb Breaks: How to Clean It Up
Cleaning up a broken fluorescent bulb isn’t as simple as sweeping it into the trash. The EPA provides detailed guidance here: https://www.epa.gov/mercury/cleaning-broken-cfl#qi. Steps include ventilating the area, using stiff paper or cardboard to scoop up pieces, and sealing them in a glass jar or sturdy plastic bag for disposal.
Where to Recycle CFLs
The EPA also recommends recycling through:
- Waste collection agencies
- Participating local retailers
- Mail-back recycling services
Find recycling locations at: https://search.Earth911.com
Full disposal and recycling guidance: https://www.epa.gov/mercury/recycling-and-disposal-cfls-and-other-bulbs-contain-mercury
A Safer, Healthier Option
Mercury exposure can cause lasting health problems to the nervous system, lungs, skin, and eyes. The safest solution is to replace mercury-filled fluorescent bulbs with LED fixtures. LEDs are mercury-free, energy-efficient, and long-lasting—protecting your health and saving money over time.
Contact Big Shine LED to upgrade to LED lighting and safeguard your workplace from the risks of mercury exposure.
