Compact fluorescent lightbulbs contain a minuscule amount of mercury, and you can't safely ignore potential contact with it A fluorescent light bulb contains 5 mg of Hg. You are probably worried about the Mercury in it, but its a very small amount of Mercury metal, and the metal is not very toxic. This is why they can’t simply be tossed in the bin after they burn out or get broken. Even fluorescent light bulbs contain around 5 mg of elemental mercury regardless of wattage. The risk depends on what type of bulb you are dealing with. *This article does contain affiliate links.

Are Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs Dangerous? As you may or may not be aware, fluorescent and compact fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs contain small amounts of mercury. All of this needs to be done to protect people from the tiny amount of mercury in one fluorescent light bulb. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) use 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last about six times longer, but it’s no secret that CFLs contain a small amount of mercury (about 4 milligrams per bulb on average). It's not big deal when a light bulb breaks. Fluorescent tubes still pose poisoning risks. The simple assumption of a complete evaporation of the Hg content from a broken light bulb apparently results in a wide overestimation of air concentrations of Hg over time. They use less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs while producing the same amount of light. Limited Exposure. Fluorescent light bulbs, both compact and regular, are more energy-efficient than regular bulbs because they produce light differently. We will receive a commission if you purchase from them or use their services. Frequently Asked Questions Information on Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) and Mercury November 2010. Sweep up the glass. Some energy-saving light bulbs contain a tiny amount of mercury, sealed inside the bulb. The compact fluorescent lamp/light (CFL) bulbs contain mercury, which can get released into the atmosphere when these bulbs are broken. Science News was founded in 1921 as an independent, nonprofit source of accurate information on the latest news of science, medicine and technology. Which begs the question, are these lights really safe and are the risks worth it? Exposure to elemental mercury in even small amounts can negatively affect a person's health. Are Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs Really Dangerous? Fluorescent tubes and Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL's) contain mercury, must be disposed of properly, using airtight containers and other thorough hazard cleaning techniques.

Fluorescent light strips or tubes, such as those sometimes used in kitchens and garages, also contain small amounts of mercury. Fluorescent light bulbs are just about everywhere -- in offices, homes, retail stores and factories. If a fluorescent light bulb breaks, it must be picked up carefully to avoid exposing your skin to danger. What Are the Dangers of Mercury Light Bulbs? They have to be disposed of safely to prevent contaminating the environment or harming people. In one bulb, there's usually less than 4mg (about enough to cover the tip of a ballpoint pen). However, the dangers associated with mercury exposure can be reduced to a great extent with careful handling and disposal of the broken CFLs. This makes them breakable, and when they do break, they are more dangerous than incandescents. Indeed, most of the released Hg may re-condense, due to the low volatility of Hg.

Not very. Dangers of Fluorescent Light Bulbs Aside from its compressed gas issues, ballasts may contain PCB's, carcinogens which can cause reproductive, skin and liver disorders.