Use compact fluorescent bulbs (with care)

by Bob Huffman

March 20th, 2008 in CFL, Energy, Environment

Compact fluorescent light bulbs are a more efficient and longer-lasting alternative to the incandescent bulbs and many of us have switched to these carbon-friendly alternatives. But did you know that each bulb contains a trace amount of a neurotoxin that can cause kidney and brain damage?

The amount of mercury is tiny — about 5 milligrams, or barely enough to cover the tip of a pen — but that is enough to contaminate 6,000 gallons of water beyond safe drinking levels. Many governments and individuals have decided that the risk tradeoff of adopting compacts is worthwhile, but one thing that is rarely discussed is what you should do if one of these bulbs breaks in your home.

Here’s some practical advice cleaning up after a compact fluorescent bulb breaks.

Vent the room 


• Open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes or more.
• Shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system, if you have one.

Cleanup on hard surfaces

• Carefully scoop up glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a glass jar with metal lid (such as a canning jar) or in a sealed plastic bag.
• Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder.
• Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes and place them in the glass jar or plastic bag.
• Do not use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces.

Cleanup on carpeting or rugs

• Carefully pick up glass fragments and place them in a glass jar with metal lid (such as a canning jar) or in a sealed plastic bag.
• Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder
• If vacuuming is needed after all visible materials are removed, vacuum the area where the bulb was broken.
• Remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister), and put the bag or vacuum debris in a sealed plastic bag.

Future cleaning of carpeting or rug

• For at least the next few times you vacuum, shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system and open a window prior to vacuuming.
• Keep the central heating/air conditioning system shut off and the window open for at least 15 minutes after vacuuming is completed.

Disposal of cleanup materials 


• Immediately place all cleanup materials outside the building in a trash container or outdoor protected area for the next normal trash.
• Wash your hands after disposing of the jars or plastic bags containing cleanup materials.
• Check with your local or state government about disposal requirements in your specific area. Some states prohibit such trash disposal and require that broken and unbroken lamps be taken to a recycling center.
  

Read more at MSNBC.com