Mercury and energy efficient light bulbs?

Question

Does anyone know if there's enough mercury in energy efficient light bulbs to cause concern?

Answer 1

It depend on what time of energy efficient light bulb you were using.  If you were using a Compact Fluorescent Lights. CFLs contain small amounts of mercury which is a toxic metal.

The following is posted on http://www.eartheasy.com/:

The mercury in compact fluorescent bulbs poses no threat while in the bulb, but if you break one:

- open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes or more

- use a wet rag to clean it up and put all of the pieces, and the rag, into a plastic bag

- place all materials in a second sealed plastic bag

- call your local recycling center to see if they accept this material, otherwise put it in your local trash. Wash your hands afterward

My suggestion is to find the type of bulb you were using at the store and read the label to investigate if there is any harmful mercury in the in the bulb.

My suggestion is to switch LED lighting, which can be a lot easier to dispose of. There have been some great advances and now some chandeliers even come with LED bulbs:

http://www.everychandelier.com/

Answer 2

Mercury is very poisonous and even a small amount is of some concern. You probably need to weigh it against factors like breakage risk level, safe disposal procedures and who uses the bulb. If the bulb is in a kids' playroom lamp the risk may be too high. If the bulb is in a high ceiling light and changed by people who take precautions it might be OK. But disposal also should be considered.

Answer 3

Just look at the clean up instructions if you break one. It will become self-evident.

Answer 4

Any amount of mercury in light bulbs is enough to cause concern. Be careful if you break them. use precautions like gloves & masks in cleaning them up. I'm pretty sure they have info on the boxes on how to dispose of light bulbs (any kind) the proper way.