Via Energy RefugeThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) earlier this week updated its guidance on how to properly clean up a broken compact fluorescent lamp (CFL). CFLs are widely regarded as more environmentally friendly because they save energy and last longer.
But there’s a catch: they contain a small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing. When a CFL breaks, the mercury is released as vapor, which may be toxic to humans and animals.
Before the cleanup, people and pets should leave the room, and windows and doors should be open. Any heating and air conditioning systems should be shut off.
During the cleanup, it’s important to be very careful when collecting broken glass and visible powder. The material gathered must then be placed in a sealable container.
After the cleanup, all bulb debris and materials used in the cleaning operation should be placed outdoors in trash containers or protected area until the materials can be disposed of properly. Keep airing the room where the break-up took place for several hours and keep the heating or air conditioning shut off for the same length of time.
CFLs do save energy and are considered more environmentally friendly than other bulbs, but they also contain small amounts of mercury. As this blog post shows, it is important for consumers to realize that CFLs and fluorescent bulbs require special handling. Like all mercury-containing fluorescent lights, CFLs should be properly stored, transported and recycled to prevent these fragile bulbs from breaking and emitting hazardous mercury vapor. They cannot be thrown away in the trash, but should be taken to a recycling center or disposed of by using a proven recycling box. However, taking them to a recycling center may not always be the most efficient solution. Consumers can use a recycling box to ship bulbs instead. If consumers choose this option, it is important to select a packaging configuration that effectively contains mercury vapor. A recent study conducted by the University of Minnesota tested the effectiveness of various packages in containing mercury vapor emitted from broken fluorescent lamps. The study found that many packages do not sufficiently contain mercury vapor, such as single-layer cardboard boxes (representing the original manufacturer’s box or container) as well as single layer boxes with a sealed plastic bag. Just one configuration—consisting of a zip-closure plastic-foil laminate bag layered between two cardboard boxes—minimized exposure levels below acceptable occupational limits, as defined by state and federal regulations and guidelines. Find out more about this proven packaging method at vaporlok.blogspot.com/2010/05/layers-of-protection-packaging-used.html
Thanks for your comment Brad: very informative.
We have saved a lot of money, and reduced our environmental impact by switching to CFL’s with one major exception: they can’t take the humidity in the bathroom. After having to replace the bathroom light 3 times, and having 3 CFL’s that are considered hazardous waste and can’t be thrown away, I switched back to incandescent in the bathroom. Just so you know they are those round vanity light ones.
CFLs do save energy and are considered more environmentally friendly than other bulbs, but they also contain small amounts of mercury. As this blog post shows, it is important for consumers to realize that CFLs and fluorescent bulbs require special handling. Like all mercury-containing fluorescent lights, CFLs should be properly stored, transported and recycled to prevent these fragile bulbs from breaking and emitting hazardous mercury vapor. They cannot be thrown away in the trash, but should be taken to a recycling center or disposed of by using a proven recycling box. However, taking them to a recycling center may not always be the most efficient solution. Consumers can use a recycling box to ship bulbs instead. If consumers choose this option, it is important to select a packaging configuration that effectively contains mercury vapor. A recent study conducted by the University of Minnesota tested the effectiveness of various packages in containing mercury vapor emitted from broken fluorescent lamps. The study found that many packages do not sufficiently contain mercury vapor, such as single-layer cardboard boxes (representing the original manufacturer’s box or container) as well as single layer boxes with a sealed plastic bag. Just one configuration—consisting of a zip-closure plastic-foil laminate bag layered between two cardboard boxes—minimized exposure levels below acceptable occupational limits, as defined by state and federal regulations and guidelines. Find out more about this proven packaging method at vaporlok.blogspot.com/2010/05/layers-of-protection-packaging-used.html
Thanks for your comment Brad: very informative.
We have saved a lot of money, and reduced our environmental impact by switching to CFL’s with one major exception: they can’t take the humidity in the bathroom. After having to replace the bathroom light 3 times, and having 3 CFL’s that are considered hazardous waste and can’t be thrown away, I switched back to incandescent in the bathroom. Just so you know they are those round vanity light ones.