How much mercury is in a CFL or other fluorescent light bulb?
The amount of mercury in a CFL or other fluorescent light bulb typically ranges between 3.5 milligrams to 15 milligrams. The amount of mercury varies depending on the type of fluorescent light bulb, the company that makes the light bulb, and when the fluorescent light bulb was made. Although companies have greatly reduced the amount of mercury used in light bulbs over the past 20 years, they are not yet able to completely eliminate the need for mercury. The amount of mercury in a single fluorescent light bulb is small. However, collectively, large numbers of fluorescent light bulbs contribute to the amount of mercury that is released into the environment. EPA encourages the recycling of all mercury-containing light bulbs.
Related Questions
- If I drop a compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL), do I need to be worried about the mercury contained within it contaminating my house, family or myself personally?
- Does a regular incandescent light bulb really create more Mercury emissions than a CFL?
- How much mercury is in a CFL or other fluorescent light bulb?
