How Do You Clean Up A Broken Compact Fluorescent Bulb?
A compact fluorescent bulb does not break often. But when they do, many people become worried and fearful that they may have to call a hazmat team. This is because some news media focus on the fact that CFLs contain mercury. While it is true that CFLs do contain the dangerous substance mercury, its levels are much lower than what used to be found in old fashioned thermometers. (CFLs contain 1.4 milligrams of mercury compared to 500 milligrams in a thermometer.) Extra caution and common sense should be used in cleaning up a broken CFL, but it can be done safely. Open the windows or turn on an exhaust fan and leave the room for at least 15 minutes immediately after the bulb breaks. Make sure to keep animals out of that area. Within 15 to 20 minutes the mercury vapor should either exit the room through the windows or exhaust. If it is an enclosed space, leave the area for a little longer to make sure the mercury vapor has dissipated to safe levels by mixing with the normal air. Turn off t
