Is it dangerous to break a fluorescent light bulb?

Question

I accidentally broke a fluorescent light bulb and all i did was pick up the pieces and disposed of it. is there anything else that i should do or be a aware of? I don't know much about them so i want to make sure I'm doing the right thing. i broke it about 2 weeks ago but its hunting me that i did something wrong. please tell me if u know something i don't know.

Answer 1

No, I don't think so, but I do have fluorescent light bulbs. I never broke them before.

Answer 2

Some are dangerous.

Answer 3

No,only if the shattered glasses spins on u.Because the gases which make the bulb active(argon) are unreactive so I don't see how it would affect u.An even u said it happened couple of wks ago.

Answer 4

Fluorescent tubes break easily. Most accidents happen when they are being installed in the fixture. This lamp does contain mercury and a fine powder that can mix and become airborne. The EPA recommends that you use sticky tape and damp cloths to pick up the fine powder. If you need to vacuum the area, you should remove the vacuum bag when finished and seal in a plastic bag. You can read more about these procedures on this website. http://www.epa.gov/mercury/spills/index....

Answer 5

Fluorescent lamps contain small amounts of mercury, which would be hazardous in large amounts, but not too much to be concerned about if it's only one that got broken. Keep the area ventilated for a few hours to allow any mercury vapour to disperse. Wear gloves and pick up the glass pieces, then wipe the area thoroughly with a disposable cloth. Seal the pieces and the cloth in a plastic bag and take it to be properly disposed of in the same way as intact lamps.

Answer 6

Every fluorescent light bulb, has a drop of Mercury in it. Be extra careful when handling the broken glass, and wash your hands after wards. Handling Mercury, is very dangerous, and so is breathing it.

Answer 7

No, there are no hazardous products about which you need to worry...now.  Some of the new mini-fluorescents contain Hg vapor...so air out the area...but there is not much you can do about it.  Don't loose sleep over it, and don't "beat yourself up".  Accidents happen.

-Fred

Answer 8

Mercury is released when a fluorescent bulb (any kind) is broken. Below is a link to EPA guidelines for cleanup. You should follow them, especially if you have small children since mercury effects their neural development, causing them to grow up into Democrats.

Basically, open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes for the released vapor to dissipate.  Pick up pieces carefully. For bits and powder use duct tape. Never use a vacuum since it broadcasts mercury vapor all over the room. Put everything in a ziplock in a box and toss it.