How Do You Clean Up Broken Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs?
All fluorescent lights, compact or otherwise, contain small amounts of mercury, which is toxic if released into the environment. Most manufactures have agreed to reduce the amount of Mercury contained in compact fluorescent lights (CFL) to 5 mg or less per bulb. Even so, a broken CFL can release enough Mercury vapor to become toxic, especially to small children. • Do not vacuum up broken glass! This will vaporize and distribute all the mercury that was in the light bulb creating a much bigger problem. • Ventilate the room before you start cleanup.[1] Mercury vaporizes readily at room temperature. Make sure that the room is isolated (doors closed, heating/AC system turned off) from the rest of the structure. Open all windows and leave the room, do not track through breakage area. Let it air out for at least 15 minutes or longer. • Use rubber or latex gloves while cleaning up. • Carefully sweep all the big pieces up. Place in a large resealable freezer bag. • Use the sticky side of duct
