Fluorescent lighting uses phosphor-coated glass tubes filled with an inert gas and a small amount of mercury.
Different gas mixes produce colour variations such that the warm glow of an incandescent bulb can be matched.
Compact fluorescents (CFLs) work the same way as standard fluorescents except they are designed to fit in place of incandescent bulbs.
A fluorescent tube uses only a quarter to a third as much energy to create the same amount of light as an incandescent bulb, and it will last 10 to 15 times longer.
But because they contain mercury, CFL and fluorescent bulbs need to be disposed of properly and handled with great care if they are broken.
If you happen to break a CFL bulb, start by opening the windows and stepping outside. That includes all people and pets. Let the room air out for 15 minutes. Your air conditioner should be off. You don’t want it circulating mercury fumes.
Avoid touching the debris. Use stiff paper or cardboard to scoop off hard surfaces; wear gloves to remove from carpeted surfaces. Use sticky tape to pick up smaller fragments. Wipe the area with a wet wipe or a damp paper towel.
Vacuums and brooms should generally be avoided, as they can spread mercury to other parts of the house.
A sealed glass jar is the best container to dispose of the materials. If you use a plastic bag, get it outside when you’re done as plastic bags will not contain mercury fumes.
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