Disposing of Compact Flourescent light bulbs

Read this if you don't want to end up like Britney Spears: Crazy, Bald and Barefoot in the Public Restroom!

We know the uber energy efficient Compact Flourescent Light bulbs you bought a few months ago (because of our post on CFLs) still have a good 5-7 year life span before they burn out while using 75% less energy than regular light bulbs. However, we want you to know how to properly dispose of the bulbs when that time comes or if one were to break during installation. CFLs do take special disposal procedures because they contain trace amounts of the toxic heavy metal Mercury (about 5 milligrams).

Science 101
Re: Mercury (earth911.org)

Why is mercury so dangerous?
Ever wonder where the old saying “mad as a hatter” came from? Or, what made the Mad Hatter in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland “mad”? Why did these hat makers or “hatters” have a reputation for strange, unpredictable behavior? Because they were suffering from chronic mercury poisoning.

In the 1800’s, mercury nitrate was used in the felting process. Exposure to the chemical affected the workers nervous systems, causing them to display symptoms of chronic mercury poisoning: excitability, mental instability, a tendency to weep, fine tremors of the hands and feet, and personality changes.

Mercury is no longer used in the felting process, but it is still a common ingredient in many household and workplace items. If these items are broken or managed improperly, they can release mercury vapors into our homes, workplace, and environment.

Mercury affects the brain, spinal cord, kidneys, and liver. It affects the ability to feel, see, taste, and move. Long-term exposure to mercury can result in symptoms that get progressively worse and lead to personality changes, stupor, and coma.

How does mercury affect the environment?
Mercury emissions in the air can come from both natural and man-made sources. Coal-fired power plants are the largest man-made source because mercury that naturally exists in coal is released into the air when coal is burned to make electricity. Coal-fired power generation accounts for roughly 40 percent of the mercury emissions in the U.S. The Environmental Protection Agency is implementing policies to reduce airborne mercury emissions. Under regulations EPA issued in 2005, mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants will drop by nearly 70 percent by 2018. The use of CFLs reduces power demand, which helps reduce mercury emissions from power plants.

Is this related the mercury levels in my spicy tuna roll?
Mercury is the only metal that is a liquid. Mercury released from broken devices can vaporize, contaminate the air in our homes, and sometimes go down the drain. Mercury vapor eventually reaches the atmosphere. From there, mercury can mix with rain and snow and fall into lakes and waterways were it can mix with bacteria and be converted into methyl mercury. Methyl mercury contaminates the food chain and builds up in the tissue of fish and of wildlife and humans who eat the fish. Because of high mercury concentrations in the fish, many states issue advisories cautioning people to limit how much fish they eat.

These are the official recommendations from the EPA about handling and disposing of CFL's
CFLs are made of glass and can break if dropped or roughly handled. Be careful when removing the bulb from its packaging, installing it, or replacing it. Always screw and unscrew the lamp by its base (not the glass), and never forcefully twist the CFL into a light socket. If a CFL breaks in your home, follow the clean-up recommendations below. Used CFLs should be disposed of properly (see below).

What should I do with a CFL when it burns out?
EPA recommends that consumers take advantage of available local recycling options for compact fluorescent light bulbs. EPA is working with CFL manufacturers and major U.S. retailers to expand recycling and disposal options. Consumers can contact their local municipal solid waste agency directly, or go to epa.gov/bulbrecycling or earth911.org to identify local recycling options.
If your state permits you to put used or broken CFLs in the garbage, seal the bulb in two plastic bags and put it into the outside trash, or other protected outside location, for the next normal trash collection. CFLs should not be disposed of in an incinerator.

ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs have a warranty. If the bulb has failed within the warranty period, return it to your retailer.

How should I clean up a broken fluorescent bulb?
1.Open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes or more.

2.Carefully scoop up the fragments and powder with stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a sealed plastic bag. Use disposable rubber gloves, if available (i.e., do not use bare hands). Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes and place them in the plastic bag. Do not use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces.

3.Place all cleanup materials in a second sealed plastic bag. Place the first bag in a second sealed plastic bag and put it in the outdoor trash container or in another outdoor protected area for the next normal trash disposal.
Note: some states prohibit such trash disposal and require that broken and unbroken lamps be taken to a local recycling center. Wash your hands after disposing of the bag.

4.If a fluorescent bulb breaks on a rug or carpet: First, remove all materials you can without using a vacuum cleaner, following the steps above. Sticky tape (such as duct tape) can be used to pick up small pieces and powder. If vacuuming is needed after all visible materials are removed, vacuum the area where the bulb was broken, remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister) and put the bag or vacuum debris in two sealed plastic bags in the outdoor trash or protected outdoor location for normal disposal.

The benefits of CFLs far outweigh the concern of mercury if you handle and dispose of them properly. Don't you want the next generation to be able to eat tuna tartare?

If you suspect or are worried about mercury exposure or poisoning--or any other heavy metal toxicity--get a Hair Analysis test. Yes, the same one they are always ordering in your favorite House episodes. It's simple, pain-free, reliable and inexpensive (about $50). Visit gdx.net for more details.

For more information on all sources of mercury, visit http://www.epa.gov/mercury.
For more information about compact fluorescent bulbs, visit http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cfls.pr_cfls