Why are fluorescent light bulbs hazardous?
Under normal circumstances, compact fluorescent light bulbs do not pose a danger. However, they do contain a small amount of mercury, which is a very hazardous chemical. Therefore, a broken fluorescent light bulb should be viewed as a possible health hazard.Mercury and BrainsOne of the most serious effects that mercury can have on human beings is to disrupt neurological development. For this reason, broken fluorescent light bulbs are especially dangerous to infants and young children. Children exposed to mercury at an early age can suffer from impaired memory and cognitive skills.Mercury and PregnancyAccording to the Environmental Protection Agency, women exposed to mercury during pregnancy can give birth to babies with severe birth defects, even in cases where they showed no symptoms of nervous system damage.Mercury PoisoningExposure to mercury can be hazardous even to adults. Symptoms of mercury poisoning include impairment of speech or movement, muscle weakness, problems with periph
Related Questions
- Do light bulbs (such as fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lamps) give off hazardous amounts of ultraviolet (UV) light?
- What should I do with used batteries, CFL and fluorescent light bulbs, cell phones, paint and other hazardous materials?
- Do Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) produce a hazardous amount of UV light?
