what do you do with a broken mercury light bulb

• Either a lidded plastic tub, a lidded glass container, or a resealable plastic bag is safe to use.
• Do not attempt to vacuum up the mess! Vacuum cleaning can spread toxic mercury material. [6]
• Unbroken lamps are often good candidates for recycling programs, whereas broken lamps cannot be recycled.

Full Answer

How to clean mercury from light bulbs?

What happens when you recycle mercury bulbs?

What type of lamps contain mercury?

How to transport a light bulb?

How long does it take for an arc lamp to cool?

What to use to package fluorescent tubes?

Can you bring broken light bulbs to drop off?

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What do you do if you break a light bulb with mercury?

First, increase the ventilation in the room where the bulb broke by opening windows and doors. Then use index cards or other stiff paper to pick up the broken pieces of glass and any visible mercury. Don't use your bare hands, and don't use a vacuum cleaner because this can disperse the mercury more widely.

Where can I dispose of mercury light bulbs near me?

You can take your CFLs to an antifreeze, batteries, oil, paint (ABOP) facility, or a household hazardous waste event. They are also accepted at all Home Depot, IKEA, Batteries + Bulbs, and Lowe's stores in the U.S., as well as many regional chains. Find a drop-off location near you using our Recycling Locator.

Can mercury from a light bulb hurt you?

Fluorescent bulbs contain mostly mercury vapor, but can contain small amounts of liquid mercury. The nervous system and kidneys are sensitive to mercury exposures. Mercury can also harm unborn children. Health effects of mercury depend upon exposure route, duration and level of exposure.

Can mercury leak from light bulb?

When the tube of a fluorescent light bulb breaks, the mercury vapour inside is released into the air. In an average room, the amount of vapour could briefly be well above the limits allowed in the general environment, and could exceed the levels allowed in the workplace.

How do you dispose of mercury?

Slowly and carefully transfer the mercury into an unbreakable plastic container with an airtight lid (such as a plastic film canister). Place the container in a zip-lock bag. Label the bag as containing items contaminated with mercury. After you remove larger beads, use sticky tape to collect smaller hard-to-see beads.

Does Lowes recycle CFLs?

Keep in mind Lowe's stores offer a recycling center (usually near the entrance) that accepts plastic bags, CFL bulbs, rechargeable batteries, and cellphones. Lowe's also accepts plastic planter pots and cases in the garden center for recycling.

How long does mercury vapor stay in the air?

one yearAt room temperature, exposed elemental mercury can evaporate to become an invisible, odorless toxic vapor. This vapor has a very long life (up to one year) in the air. Once released into the wider atmosphere, elemental mercury can travel thousands of miles and becomes part of a global pool of atmospheric mercury.

Can you get mercury poisoning from a broken CFL bulb?

Persons in rooms after breakage of a CFL may be exposed to mercury by inhalation and by oral intake. After inhalation, more than 80% of inhaled Hg0 vapour is absorbed by the lungs. Ingested Hg0 is poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract (less than 0.01%).

What mercury poisoning feels like?

Symptoms of mercury poisoning depend on the form of the mercury that was the source of the exposure. Early symptoms of mercury poisoning can include a metallic taste in the mouth and numbness and tingling in the hands, feet and face.

How long does it take mercury to dissipate?

384 daysA pea-sized drop of mercury that goes undetected can take up to 384 days to fully vaporize. In that amount of time, it can cause severe neurological damage—especially in infants and children.

What does mercury vapor smell like?

Mercury vapor is not irritating and has no odor, so people do not know when they are breathing it. Even the small amount of mercury from a broken thermometer can cause harm, especially to children, unless it is properly cleaned up and removed.

How do you test for mercury poisoning?

The most commonly accepted methods of assessing mercury exposure are to test urine or blood. Both tests usually measure levels of total mercury (elemental, inorganic and organic). Elevated mercury in urine usually indicates exposure to an elemental or inorganic source of mercury, such as from a job that uses mercury.

Where can I dispose of fluorescent bulbs near me?

Take lamps and tubes to a household hazardous waste collection center or event. Find where to recycle or dispose fluorescent lamps and tubes at Where Can I Recycle My…?, or Earth 911, or call 800 CLEAN-UP (253-2687).

How do I dispose of fluorescent tubes in NJ?

DisposalUnbroken compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) can be taken to any Lowes or Home Depot Store (PDF) (just bulbs, no tubes or other style fluorescent lights).The Burlington County Hazardous Waste Facility will take compact bulbs, tubes, and other style fluorescent lights. This is free of charge for County residents.

How do I dispose of fluorescent tubes in PA?

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) – These curly tube bulbs are accepted at drop boxes inside Ikea stores for free recycling or can be dropped off at any HHW event. Light-Emitting Diode Bulbs (LEDs)- These light bulbs contain a small amount of heavy metal and can be dropped off at any HHW event.

Where can I recycle LED bulbs near me?

Where to Recycle LED Light BulbsBig-box stores like Lowes, Home Depot, and IKEA may offer in-store recycling bins where you can drop off your old LED light bulbs. ... Many municipal safety departments offer both LED and CFL recycling on specific days or at set locations.More items...

Can I get mercury poisoning from a broken light bulb?

Very tiny quantities of mercury can be found in thermometers and light bulbs. It is doubtful that breaking one will result in any health consequenc...

Can a light bulb poison you?

A little amount of liquid mercury may run out if you shatter a mercury thermometer or light bulb. Mercury liquid can split into little beads that c...

What happens if you touch the mercury from a light bulb?

Mercury may also evaporate as a vapour. The main danger associated with mercury is its ability to cause serious neurological damage if it enters yo...

Is mercury from a broken thermometer dangerous?

Because mercury vapor is not uncomfortable and has no odor, individuals are unaware that they are breathing it. Even a little quantity of mercury f...

How To Dispose Of Light Bulbs With Mercury | Shelly Lighting

Light bulbs s ballasts lamps disposal of lamps that contain mercury how to clean up a broken cfl bulb cnet dispose of light bulbs with mercury

How to dispose of light bulbs with mercury » Howmaster

EPA advises that customers capitalize of offered regional choices for reusing CFLs, fluorescent bulbs as well as various other bulbs which contain mercury, as well as all various other house contaminateds materials, as opposed to getting rid of of them in routine house garbage.

How Do You Dispose Of Light Bulbs With Mercury In Them

Fluorescent bulb disposal bureau of to dispose of light bulbs with mercury recycling mercury added fluorescent and recycle your old fluorescent light bulbs

The How and Why of Recycling Mercury-Containing Bulbs

Millions of mercury-containing lamps are sold in the United States each year, including linear fluorescent tubes, metal halide discharge bulbs, bug zappers, tanning bulbs, and neon signs.

How to clean mercury from light bulbs?

Search for detailed cleanup procedures specific to your situation and safely follow all guidelines when cleaning up the mercury and glass shards. Use a piece of cardboard to sweep the debris into a container. Pick up mercury powder and small fragments using the adhesive side of a piece of tape and add this to the disposal container. [5]

What happens when you recycle mercury bulbs?

When you recycle light bulbs containing mercury, many of their components are reused. Not only are you protecting the environment to exposure to harmful chemicals, but you’re also helping eliminate waste by making old lamp elements available for reuse!

What type of lamps contain mercury?

But there are plenty of other types of lamps that contain more of the toxic chemical, including neon and black lights, fluorescents, tanning bed lamps, sodium and mercury vapor lamps , metal halide and mercury short-arc lamps. [2]

How to transport a light bulb?

Pack the lamps in a sturdy, padded container for transportation. If you have a lot of light bulbs, you may want to place them gently in a container, such as a cardboard box or plastic storage tub. Pad the space between each light bulb with packing material such as crumpled paper or bubble wrap to prevent them from jostling around and breaking.

How long does it take for an arc lamp to cool?

You’ll risk burns and potentially ignite any surface you place one of these hot lamps upon. Wait until the lamp is cool (at least 15 minutes) before extracting it.

What to use to package fluorescent tubes?

You should use even more care in packaging larger lamps. Consider using a cardboard shipping tube for protection for a fluorescent tube, for instance.

Can you bring broken light bulbs to drop off?

Retailers’ drop-off bins usually accept unbroken, unexpired CFLs but don’t accommodate fluorescent tubes or other types of lamps. Don’t attempt to bring prohibited or broken light bulbs to these drop-off points. If broken, they could lead to significant mercury contamination at that location.

What would happen if all mercury in one fluorescent lamp could be collected as a bead?

If all of the mercury in one fluorescent lamp could be collected as a bead, that bead would be about the size of the period at the end of this sentence . Breathing small amounts of mercury over a period of months or years can affect your health (see web link below for more information).

Who should clean up broken glass?

Only the person (s ) cleaning up the breakage should be in the room. Keep other people and pets away to avoid spreading glass and other debris.

How to get rid of glass dust?

Pick up smaller pieces of glass and dust with pieces of sticky tape and place them on the paper. If the debris is on a hard surface, wipe with damp paper towels and place the paper towels on the paper. Carefully fold everything into the paper and place it in a plastic bag.

How to avoid cuts and other injuries from broken glass and sharp debris?

Avoid cuts and other injuries from broken glass and sharp debris by wearing gloves and eye protection. Carefully pick up larger pieces of glass and debris and place them on a paper towel or newspaper. Pick up smaller pieces of glass and dust with pieces of sticky tape and place them on the paper.

Can a broken fluorescent light cause mercury?

The mercury released from a broken fluorescent lamp is unlikely to cause health effects because the amount of mercury is so small that the vapor is rapidly diluted in air. If you break a fluorescent lamp, promptly clean it up to avoid spreading broken glass and other debris.

Where to dispose of plastic bags?

Seal the plastic bag (s) and promptly dispose of the waste in an outdoor trash bin.

Can you dispose of fluorescent lights?

Disposing of Fluorescent Lamps and Waste. Everyone is strongly encouraged to recycle their used fluorescent lamps, although households may dispose of broken and intact fluorescent lamps in the regular trash.

How long does it take for a mercury vapor light bulb to shut off?

“T” type light bulbs have a self-extinguishing feature that shuts off the light within 15 minutes after the outer bulb is broken. “R” type light bulbs do not have a self-extinguishing feature.

What is mercury vapor lamp?

Mercury vapor lamps are bright, long-lasting light sources that are often used to light large areas such as streets, gyms, sports arenas, banks, or stores . The bulbs have an inner quartz tube containing the mercury vapor discharge. This is enclosed by an outer glass bulb that filters out harmful short-wavelength ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Can mercury vapor lamps cause eye burns?

Under normal operating conditions mercury vapor lamps provide efficient, long-lasting sources of light. However, if the outer bulb breaks, and the inner tube continues to produce unshielded light, intense UV radiation is emitted. UV exposure at this level can cause eye and skin burns, blurred or double vision, headaches, and nausea.

Can mercury vapor light bulbs cause burns?

Ultraviolet radiation burns from high intensity mercury vapor light bulbs are a public health concern, especially in schools and other indoor facilities where the light bulbs may be subject to damage. The best way to reduce the risk of burns is to use fully-enclosed fixtures or self-extinguishing “T” type mercury vapor light bulbs in facilities where the public can be exposed to the UV radiation from a broken bulb.

What to do with broken bulb?

Seal the broken bulb and everything you used to pick it up. A glass jar is best, but a plastic container like this one will work, too. Ry Crist/CNET

How to get rid of broken glass?

The best bet is to carefully scoop up the larger bits of glass with a piece of paper or cardboard, something you can easily dispose of along with the broken bulb. Once the big pieces are up, try using a piece of duct tape to easily lift the tinier bits, along with any white powder that you see. You could also use a piece of bread -- just don't eat it afterwards.

What happens if fluorescent light goes down?

If a fluorescent light comes crashing down onto your kitchen floor, releasing the mercury trapped within, you don't need to panic. Just follow these steps to safely get things cleaned up. Fluorescent lights get their glow from the mercury trapped inside, and the compact fluorescents (CFLs) used for energy efficient household lighting are no ...

Is it bad to break a CFL bulb?

The gas each one uses to prolong the bulb's lifespan is totally harmless. A broken CFL might be an annoying chore to deal with, but it's also an opportunity to upgrade to a bulb that's a better fit for your home.

Can you leave mercury vapor in the air?

You've gotten the floor spic and span, but there still might be trace amounts of mercury vapor left in the air. If you're able to, leave the windows open and the air conditioning off for another couple of hours.

Can you take mercury bulbs to the recycling center?

Depending on your local regulations, you might not be required to take the broken bulb to a recycling center. It's a good idea nonetheless, as you don't want that mercury sent off to a landfill, where it might slowly leech into the ground. The waste management section of your local government's website should have info on which facilities will take hazardous household materials off of your hands.

How long should you leave a broken light bulb in a room?

If you want to avoid exposure to mercury, we recommend that you leave the room for at least 15 minutes.

What happens when a fluorescent light bulb breaks?

When a fluorescent light bulb breaks it releases mercury into the air. The level of mercury in the air is too low to cause harm to adults, even if they are sensitive, because most of the mercury turns liquid very quickly after a break.

What is the most efficient element in a fluorescent bulb?

Mercury is the most efficient element in a fluorescent bulb. Mercury, also known as quicksilver, is a highly toxic substance. Fetal and children’s brains are particularly vulnerable to it.

Can mercury be broken?

If the mercury is broken, it can be harmful to the lungs. If proper precautions are taken, the risk of poisoning from touching or swallowing mercury from a broken thermometer is low.

Is it safe to dispose of broken bulbs?

Some scientists argue that there are no real risks to human health. It’s important to dispose of broken bulbs and used bulbs in a safe and sanitary way. The amount of mercury in the products has been reduced.

Does mercury make you sick?

The tiny amount of mercury you’re exposed to is not likely to make you sick. How do you reduce the risk? Children and pets should be removed from the room and the broken bulb cleaned quickly.

Is mercury a metallic substance?

Mercury is present as metallic mercury in some of the devices. Mercury can damage the central nervous system and other organs when breathed in. The toxic effects of mercury spill are why it’s important to handle it carefully.

How to get rid of broken glass in a room?

Among the steps recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency: Get people and pets out of the room. Air out the room for at least 10 minutes, and preferably several hours. Shut off the air-conditioning or heating system. Wipe up the broken glass and powder, seal them in a container and dispose of them.

How to dispose of a broken glass?

Health officials advise certain precautions to minimize exposure. Among the steps recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency: 1 Get people and pets out of the room. 2 Air out the room for at least 10 minutes, and preferably several hours. 3 Shut off the air-conditioning or heating system. 4 Wipe up the broken glass and powder, seal them in a container and dispose of them. 5 Check with your local government about disposal requirements. Some communities require that trashed fluorescent bulbs (broken or unbroken) be taken to a local recycling center.

Can you eat fish from a broken bulb?

An article in the August 2009 official magazine of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America concluded that a worst-case scenario of mercury exposure (PDF) from a broken bulb is equivalent to eating one serving of fish. (Mercury accumulates in small amounts in the bodies of fish.)

How to store mercury?

Packaging Mercury for Storage and Transportation 1 Place all mercury-containing products or containers of mercury inside a larger container with a tight fitting lid. 2 Place kitty litter or oil-absorbent matter around the product to protect it from breaking or sudden shocks. 3 Clearly label storage container as "Mercury - DO NOT OPEN." 4 If you must wait for a hazardous waste collection day, store products safely in their original containers with the labels intact, and keep them out of reach of children and pets. 5 Transport containers to a household hazardous collection center in a cardboard box. Secure the containers so that they do not tip over, and to minimize shifting or sliding during sudden stops or turns. 6 Transport containers in the back of a pick-up truck or in your car's trunk. If you must transport in the passenger compartment, make sure there is adequate ventilation.

What to do if you wait for hazardous waste collection day?

If you must wait for a hazardous waste collection day, store products safely in their original containers with the labels intact, and keep them out of reach of children and pets.

Can you put mercury in a container?

Many people have found containers of elemental or metallic mercury in their homes. If you have metallic mercury in your home, you need to exercise extreme caution with it and package it to prevent any leaks or spills. See the next two sections of this page to find how to package, transport and dispose of mercury.

Is fluorescent bulb hazardous?

Some states and local juris dictions have elected to pass regulations that are more string ent than the federal hazardous waste regulations. Several states and municipalities do not recognize the exemption for households; others regulate all fluorescent bulbs as hazardous, regardless of their mercury content. For example, Vermont bans all mercury-containing waste from landfills, including mercury-containing waste generated by households. For more information specific to your state, enter your location's ZIP code into the Earth911.com recycling locator to contact your local waste collection agency; the agency can tell you if such requirement exists in your state or locality.

How to clean mercury from light bulbs?

Search for detailed cleanup procedures specific to your situation and safely follow all guidelines when cleaning up the mercury and glass shards. Use a piece of cardboard to sweep the debris into a container. Pick up mercury powder and small fragments using the adhesive side of a piece of tape and add this to the disposal container. [5]

What happens when you recycle mercury bulbs?

When you recycle light bulbs containing mercury, many of their components are reused. Not only are you protecting the environment to exposure to harmful chemicals, but you’re also helping eliminate waste by making old lamp elements available for reuse!

What type of lamps contain mercury?

But there are plenty of other types of lamps that contain more of the toxic chemical, including neon and black lights, fluorescents, tanning bed lamps, sodium and mercury vapor lamps , metal halide and mercury short-arc lamps. [2]

How to transport a light bulb?

Pack the lamps in a sturdy, padded container for transportation. If you have a lot of light bulbs, you may want to place them gently in a container, such as a cardboard box or plastic storage tub. Pad the space between each light bulb with packing material such as crumpled paper or bubble wrap to prevent them from jostling around and breaking.

How long does it take for an arc lamp to cool?

You’ll risk burns and potentially ignite any surface you place one of these hot lamps upon. Wait until the lamp is cool (at least 15 minutes) before extracting it.

What to use to package fluorescent tubes?

You should use even more care in packaging larger lamps. Consider using a cardboard shipping tube for protection for a fluorescent tube, for instance.

Can you bring broken light bulbs to drop off?

Retailers’ drop-off bins usually accept unbroken, unexpired CFLs but don’t accommodate fluorescent tubes or other types of lamps. Don’t attempt to bring prohibited or broken light bulbs to these drop-off points. If broken, they could lead to significant mercury contamination at that location.

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