How do a compact fluorescent light bulbs work?
Fluorescent and compact fluorescent light bulbs create light by creating an arc through a mercury vapor which produces invisible ultraviolet light (UV). The UV light hits the white (phosphor) coating inside the fluorescent bulb where the coating converts most of the ultra violet light (UV) to visible light. The mercury contained in fluorescent and compact fluorescent light bulbs can pose a significant health risk if released as would occur if a bulb were broken during shipping, handling, installation or disposal at the end of its useful life.
