Are the new energy saving floresent light bulbs safe?

Question

My cat has knocked over the lamp in my living room before with the standard light bulbs in them with not much problem even if a bulb breaks there's still not much problem as long as I get him away from the broken glass quick. But if one the new bulbs break will it harm him they do contain murcury but how much is there a safe amount of this chemical that is ok to be around. Or should they only be used in areas where animals or for that amount young children where they cannot have an acident.

Answer 1

They're fairly safe.  CFLs only contain a ballpoint pen tip sized amount of mercury.  If you do break one, just follow the EPA cleanup guidelines linked below.

Answer 2

no there is not much danger from these bulbs. if they break - just be sure that no pets or children touch them until you clean them up - no problem! the amount of mercury in them is not that great - no harm done

Answer 3

I SAY no i WATCHED A VIDEO ON THE NEW TWISTED BULB IF THIS IS THE TYPE YOU ARE REFERRING TO AND THEY SAID THIS TYPE IS BAD FOR HUMANS AND ANIMALS AND HAVE TO LEAVE A ROOM WHERE A BULB MAY HAVE BEEN BROKEN FROM MERCURY AND OTHER JUNK AND HAVE TO USE A PAPER TOWEL TO PICK UP DISPOSE OF IN 2 PLASTIC BAGS AND BE GONE FOR 2-3 HOURS FOR THIS JUNK TO LEAVE THE AIR AS FAR AS iAM CONCERNED THERE NOT SAFE!!!!

Answer 4

CFL bulbs have a minute amount of mercury; if they break, they do not pose a health risk. Simply sweep up and be careful of the broken glass. Like batteries and other hazardous household waste they need to be disposed of properly.

http://www.projectporchlight.com/bulb/fa...

Answer 5

Well there is a bit of agenda behind this article, but I think you can see what a nightmare situation would look like with these bulbs.

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/articl...

I don't like them because of the quality of light.  Florescent lights pulse, unlike incandescent bulbs which provide a constant light.  I feel that everything looks flatter and washed out under florescent.

Answer 6

I have been using and selling these bulbs for five years.  In my opinion there is more danger from the shads and splinters of broken glass than from the mercury.  The amount of mercury is so small to be insignificant.  If there is a hazard of breakage from table or floor lamps being pushed over then by all means don't use them there.  Mine are used in ceiling and vanity fixtures.  Used bulbs should be recycled through approved trash services as we have here in Maryland in our county.  I recycle many flourescent and uv bulbs a year because the law says to do so.

Answer 7

While there are trace amounts of mercury in these bulbs, the florescent bulbs are less likely to break and last longer. This means that accidents are less likely to lead to breakage and there is less chemical hazards. I think it is safe to have them around kids & pets. Take steps to prevent accidents, but I'm sure you know that. Even if a bulb breaks, the level of mercury is not dangerous unless you were to be breaking a couple bulbs a day for several months.