Everyone has heard that the US will be using only florescent light bulbs by 2014, and most people have heard they contain mercury that can be poisonous. What few people know is what they should do if they break a bulb.
If fluorescent bulbs are broken they release a small amount of poisonous vapors. Mercury can be absorbed through the skin.
Know how to dispose of fluorescent bulbs safely in your area. Some areas will pick them up and some require you to bring them in. Store them wrapped in plastic until they can be disposed of safely. The EPA cleanup guidelines can be used for cleaning up broken mercury thermometers.
The EPA recommends having everyone leave the area. Close off the rest of the house and open that room to the outdoors. Use rubber or latex gloves. Pick up broken pieces of glass and seal them in a plastic bag. Use a flashlight and cardboard to gather pieces of mercury. Pick up the mercury with an eyedropper. Empty the eyedropper into a plastic bag and label it.
Use duct tape to clean up the smallest pieces. Sulfur power products are available to absorb small pieces of mercury that can’t be cleaned by hand. Your waste disposal company, local health department or fire department can tell you how and where to throw contaminated items away.
Keep the area well ventilated for at least 24 hours, and keep children and pets out of the area. If anyone in the household becomes sick, call a doctor immediately.
Some symptoms of mercury exposure are tremors, mood swings, nervousness, insomnia, weakness, twitching and headaches.
The EPA recommends NEVER doing the following: Sweeping can break and spread the pieces. Vacuuming can introduce it into the air. Pouring it down the drain or washing exposed clothes introduces it into the sewage system. Discard clothes that come in contact with mercury.