What to do if a fluorescent bulb breaks

Inside a fluorescent lamp there are substances harmful to humans - mercury vapor. Its content in lamps is less than in thermometers. Despite this, experts advise careful handling of energy-saving lamps, learning the safety rules. If a fluorescent lamp breaks, you should treat the place with products containing active chlorine.

Mercury vapor is necessary for the bulb to produce the ultraviolet glow that is produced by the arc discharge. If the bulb is compromised, mercury vapor will contaminate the air, which can adversely affect human health. To avoid the consequences, you need to properly dispose of the lamp and neutralize the harmful substances.

How to use a fluorescent lamp

If the fluorescent bulb is in good working order, the mercury vapor inside the bulb is not harmful to the environment or humans. For safe use:

• you need to choose reliable brands with a quality guarantee. They monitor the technology of manufacture at all stages, so the products arrive on the shelves without defects, which is confirmed by codes and certificates;
• Do not mount the lamp in a tight lampshade or plafond. First of all, this applies to devices with a capacity of more than 10 watts, because they can get very hot. If it is a cheap device, the electrical circuitry can ignite, which sometimes causes the bulb to explode;
• Before buying, it is necessary to check the integrity of the product. If there is even minor damage to the housing, such as microcracks, it is unsuitable;
• the lamp should be checked periodically for integrity after installation, especially if it is more than 1 year old;
• the bulb should be screwed in or unscrewed carefully so that the bulb does not crack in the hand.

Fig.1 - Shapes of fluorescent bulbs.

How much mercury is in a fluorescent bulb

Inside a modern fluorescent bulb there is no "free" mercury in the form seen in thermometers.

Fig.2 - "free" mercury.

The bulb contains only mercury vapor in minimal quantities, about 6 milligrams if we are talking about a device up to 8 watts. Therefore, experts guarantee that there is no danger in case the bulb is damaged. In spite of this, cleaning should always be carried out using the recommended cleaning agents.

Fig.3 - the danger of mercury vapor.

What to do if the lamp breaks

If a lamp breaks, you should not panic. There is not much mercury inside it. But you can't do without special cleaning.

The first thing to do is to get the children out of the room as quickly as possible. Next, take measures that include neutralizing and collecting the mercury. It is also necessary to collect all shards of broken glass.

Demercurization of the room

Demercurization is the procedure for neutralizing mercury that has been exposed in the room. The process consists of steps:

• The mercury from the lamp will not form globules, as when an old-style thermometer breaks. Vapors will enter the air, so it is necessary to ventilate the room well. The air should go outside, not inside. Airing should be as long as possible, the recommended time is one hour or more;
• It is recommended to use a chemical respirator, rubber gloves, and glasses for cleaning. Many people have such a kit. If you do not have it, the means of protection should be purchased together with the purchase of the bulb;
• make a cardboard or thick paper scoop to collect the splinters and mercury powder from the bulb. You can collect the residue with an ordinary cloth, thick and damp;
• after collecting the scoop and the rag with the debris should be placed in a sweaty plastic bag and tied firmly. Make sure it does not tear. It is better to use 2 or 3 bags, as splinters may cut through one of them. To prevent this from happening, the sharp splinters can be transferred from the scoop to a rag and then tied so that they do not fall out inside the bag.

Fig.4 - cleaning tips.

How to dispose of collected mercury

The bag with the mercury powder and shards of the flask should not be thrown in the bucket or in containers with household garbage. You need to find a special organization that handles to dispose of fluorescent lamps and the mercury in it. Often this is an HMO, fire department or private firms (you can find it on the Internet).

Fig. 5 A sign on the container marks the place where fluorescent lamps are thrown away

Fig. 6 - The recycling point for energy saving bulbs.

The bag with the waste will be accepted for a small fee or free of charge. Then the mercury is neutralized with special chemicals, and the broken glass of the bulb is sent for recycling. Only in this way, the recycled, broken lamp will not pollute the environment and will not harm your health.

What is forbidden to do

Under no circumstances should you:

• throw the bag with the collected shards and mercury powder down the drain;
• Collect a broken light bulb with a vacuum cleaner. This will disperse the mercury around the room, and the device filters will be soaked with mercury vapor;
• Use a broom to pick up the pieces, as any dry material will absorb the mercury. The broom will have to be thrown away;
• It is forbidden to turn on the fan or air conditioner while cleaning.

Read also

How to properly check a fluorescent lamp

 

What is the risk of mercury poisoning?

According to the classification catalog of waste, mercury is a harmful substance belonging to the first class of the most dangerous. It has a negative effect on the body even in small quantities. It is enough for a person to inhale its vapors. After a certain period of time the tissues will begin to absorb the mercury, and it is almost impossible to remove it.

See also: How you can inhale mercury without knowing it

Mercury poisoning has the symptoms of standard toxic poisoning:

• Severe abdominal pain;
• high fever;
• inflammation of the gums and lungs;
• Bloody diarrhea and nausea.

Fig.7 - signs of chemical poisoning.

Mercury is especially dangerous to pregnant women. Poisoning causes memory loss, apathy, and drowsiness. If these signs have become apparent after collecting shards of fluorescent lamp with even a small amount of mercury in the bulb, urgent hospitalization is necessary. After examination, the doctor will prescribe drugs to neutralize mercury in the body.

Conclusion

Most people are convinced that the mercury vapor inside the bulb of a fluorescent lamp is not as dangerous as it may seem. If a person does not feel the symptoms of poisoning, it does not mean that the biological tissues have not absorbed it. After some time, serious health problems can arise. Therefore, the use and disposal of energy-saving lamps should be strictly adhered to safety.

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