Mercury in Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

[Jason Joubert]

With the distribution of CFL's by Eskom and others, it would be prudent to remember that they most likely contain Mercury and as such may require care in handling & disposal, whether at home or in the workplace.

Exposure to Mercury may occur if a CFL breaks.

See "Maine Compact Fluorescent Lamp Breakage Study Report" at http://www.maine.gov/dep/rwm/homeowner/cflreport.htm for information on CFL's as well as tips on cleanup and disposal.

Extract from US EPA website:

"How much mercury is in a CFL or other fluorescent light bulb?
The amount of mercury in a CFL or other fluorescent light bulb typically ranges between 3.5 milligrams to 15 milligrams. The amount of mercury varies depending on the type of fluorescent light bulb, the company that makes the light bulb, and when the fluorescent light bulb was made. Although companies have greatly reduced the amount of mercury used in light bulbs over the past 20 years, they are not yet able to completely eliminate the need for mercury. The amount of mercury in a single fluorescent light bulb is small. However, collectively, large numbers of fluorescent light bulbs contribute to the amount of mercury that is released into the environment. EPA encourages the recycling of all mercury-containing light bulbs.

What are the health effects of mercury exposure?
Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and other fluorescent light bulbs contain small amounts of mercury. For example, an average CFL contains 5 milligrams or about 1/100th of the amount of mercury found in a mercury fever thermometer. By comparison, older thermometers contain about 500 milligrams of mercury. It would take 100 CFLs to equal that amount.
No mercury is released when the bulbs are intact or in use; exposure is possible only when a bulb has been broken. Learn about how to clean up broken bulbs by visiting EPA's Mercury Web site. "

Source: http://www.epa.gov/osw/hazard/wastet...mps/faqs.htm#6