Article in today's newspaper:
Q: I was wondering if any of the manufacturers of compact fluorescent light bulbs have addressed the question of the impact of mercury released because of accidental breakage. Once, when installing one in my basement, I dropped it, shattering it on the concrete floor. I've wondered since then about what happens to the mercury released accidentally like this.
A: The government's Energy Star program says the amount of mercury in a compact flourescent bulb is so small that there's no immediate health risk if it's cleaned up properly.
The program's advice is to sweep up the pieces---dont' vacuum them---and put them into a sealed plastic bag. Wipe the area with a damp paper towel to pick up the fine shards and particles, and put the towel into the plastic bag as well. If weather permits, open the windows to ventilate the room.
Treat the bag and its contents as hazardous waste, and recycle properly.
Q: I was wondering if any of the manufacturers of compact fluorescent light bulbs have addressed the question of the impact of mercury released because of accidental breakage. Once, when installing one in my basement, I dropped it, shattering it on the concrete floor. I've wondered since then about what happens to the mercury released accidentally like this.
A: The government's Energy Star program says the amount of mercury in a compact flourescent bulb is so small that there's no immediate health risk if it's cleaned up properly.
The program's advice is to sweep up the pieces---dont' vacuum them---and put them into a sealed plastic bag. Wipe the area with a damp paper towel to pick up the fine shards and particles, and put the towel into the plastic bag as well. If weather permits, open the windows to ventilate the room.
Treat the bag and its contents as hazardous waste, and recycle properly.
