Standard Tube Lighting (the long one's) vs. CFL's

Question

I want to know which is more toxic and how dangerous is it when you break a Standard Tube Fluorescent light. Also, what is the best way to clean it up?

Answer 1

Larger tubes will tend to have a bit more mercury content than smaller bulbs.  Also, older bulbs may have a bit more than newer ones as there is a constant effort to reduce the amount of mercury in each bulb.

The mercury in a fluorescent bulb is minimal.  Also, it is in vapor form, so most of it dissipates in the air fairly quickly after a bulb breaks.  The most important thing to do is properly ventilate the area before beginning cleanup.

The EPA has a really sensible procedure for bulb (and other mercury spill) cleanup.  See http://www.epa.gov/mercury/spills/index....