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Both fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) contain mercury, which is an element that can cause neurological damage if inhaled or otherwise absorbed by the body.
As long as the bulbs are intact, the mercury is safely contained within the glass tubing, however, if the bulbs are broken, the mercury will be released. At room temperature, the mercury is chemically joined with phosphorous and can be seen as a white powder, however during operation, the mercury turns to vapour. Contact with either the powder or the vapour should be avoided.
The small amount of mercury contained within CFLs does not pose an immediate health risk, however care should always be taken to prevent breakage. Always screw and unscrew the lamp by its base (not the glass), and never forcefully twist the CFL into a light socket. “Low mercury” or environmentally friendly CFLs are also available for purchase. These bulbs typically have a green socket or end cap for easy identification. However, since all fluorescent light bulbs contain some amount of mercury, caution and safe clean up procedures should always be used.
If you do break a fluorescent light bulb, Natural Resources Canada recommends the following cleanup procedures:
- Sweep or wipe up the glass fragments and white powder.
- Wipe the area with a damp paper towel to pick up tiny pieces of glass or fine particles.
- If the bulb breaks on a rug or carpet, use sticky tape (such as duct tape) to pick up small pieces and powder. Vacuuming should be avoided as it spreads mercury through the air. If vacuuming is necessary, remove the vacuum bag or empty and wipe the canister with paper towel after the area is cleaned.
- Double bag the broken pieces, paper towel and vacuum bag and dispose of it in an outdoor trash can for regular garbage pick up.
- Note: CFLs should never be placed in an incinerator.
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