Mercury Poisoning from Broken CFL Bulb: What to Do and How to Stay Safe

When a compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb breaks, it can be a stressful situation, especially if you have pets or young children running around. One concern is mercury poisoning, which may seem like a daunting threat. However, the reality is that broken light bulb mercury poisoning isn't usually an issue, unless your child or pet decides to lick or inhale the mercury droplets.

CFL bulbs contain a small amount of mercury, about 4 milligrams per bulb, which is roughly the size of the tip of a ballpoint pen. While it's true that this can build up quickly with billions of people on the planet, it's not something you need to worry about in your daily life. Unless your baby has a habit of breaking energy-saving light bulbs and inhaling their mercury like a crack addict – which is unlikely – you don't need to be too concerned.

Symptoms of mercury poisoning include chest pains, tightness, or a burning sensation, as well as coughing (including blood on rare occasions). However, these symptoms typically require a greater quantity of mercury to occur. The good news is that the small quantity of mercury in a broken CFL bulb is unlikely to cause harm.

So, what do you need to do if your CFL bulb breaks? First, wipe the area clean with a damp cloth and put it in a container too. Then, collect the mercury droplets with a strip of masking tape using a flashlight to locate them, as they reflect light. Once you've located all the mercury beads, put on rubber or plastic gloves and pick up the glass pieces in a plastic bag or container.

It's also important to ventilate the room and remove any pets or young children from the area. If multiple bulbs have been broken, it may be wise to leave the room for 10-15 minutes to allow the mercury to dissipate.

In summary, while there is some risk associated with breaking a CFL bulb, the small quantity of mercury involved makes it unlikely to cause harm. By taking simple steps to clean up the spill and follow proper safety precautions, you can minimize the risk of mercury poisoning and stay safe in your home.

Mercury poisoning from broken cfl bulb