Breaking a fluorescent bulb or tube is actually dangerous, because fluorescent lighting contains mercury dust. Here's how to clean it up safely.

Aug 3, 2011 · A. Around the world, governments have passed measures to phase out incandescent light bulbs in favor of the more energy-efficient CFLs. It's true that CFL bulbs do contain a small amount of mercury , sealed within the glass tubing, and it can be released as vapor after a breakage.

Feb 6, 2025 · Fluorescent bulbs and tubes contain hazardous material. Learn how to keep yourself safe while cleaning up and disposing of broken CFL bulb or fluorescent tubes.

Sep 21, 2019 · Fluorescent light tubes are outdated. While it is common knowledge that they consume an enormous amount of excess energy that wrecks your utility budget, they also present a serious health threat to human beings, animals, and the environment when they are broken.

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.

Mar 29, 2012 · Fluorescent light bulbs contain a small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing. When a fluorescent bulb breaks in your home, some of this mercury is released as mercury vapor. The broken bulb can continue to release mercury vapor until it is cleaned up and removed from the residence.

Broken Fluorescent Lights. If you accidentally break a light, follow the steps below to make sure that the bulbs are cleaned up safely. Keep in mind that in California fluorescent bulbs and tubes are prohibited from trash disposal.

Aug 21, 2022 · How do you dispose of broken fluorescent tubes? When packaging fluorescent tubes and lamps for electronic recycling it is important to not break them. Avoid taping the fluorescent tubes together, and try and place the lighting equipment in a box of some sort.

Jan 24, 2023 · If you've broken a CFL bulb, here are tips, safety guidelines and cleanup instructions to ensure the safe removal and disposal of your broken bulb.

Fluorescent light bulbs contain a relatively small amount of mercury, roughly 3-5 milligrams. The EPA has created a guide on how to clean up a broken CFL lightbulb.