First of all, don't panic. Next, read these tips for cleaning up a broken CFL and make sure your home stays safe for you and your family.
It’s happened to the best of us. You’re unscrewing the burnt out CFL bulb in your kitchen light fixture, minding your own business, and then…CRACK. It breaks in your hand. Though you might immediately assume you and your family are doomed from impending mercury exposure, don’t start writing your will yet. Follow our tips for safe CFL cleanup and get your peace of mind back.
Though any level of mercury exposure carries some risk, the amount of mercury in a CFL is very small, and exposure for a very short time while cleaning up the broken bulb is unlikely to pose a significant risk to your or your household. So while it is important to clean up the bulb’s residue as soon as possible, there’s no need to panic. The Environmental Protection Agency has outlined the following tips to ensure best practices for cleaning CFLs are met, but don’t stress if you didn’t follow them during a prior cleanup.
Before cleanup you should:
- Have family members and pets leave the room; open windows or doors to air out the room for 10 minutes before beginning cleanup
- If you have a forced air heating or cooling system, shut it off to prevent contaminated air from circulating throughout your home
- Gather these materials to clean up the bulb: stiff paper or cardboard, sticky tape, damp paper towels or wet wipes, and an airtight container or sealable plastic bag
To cleanup the bulb and residue:
- Whatever you do, don’t vacuum. This could spread mercury powder or vapor further
- Scoop up the broken glass fragments with your stiff paper or cardboard, use the tape to pick up small pieces of glass and powder, and place the used tape in the sealable bag or airtight container
After cleaning up:
- Right after you’re satisfied with your cleanup efforts inside, place all materials used to clean the broken bulb in an outdoor trash can or protected area away from your home
- Always check with your local government for your area’s disposal requirements, since some states/local areas require fluorescent bulbs to be taken to a recycling center
- Continue to air out the room and leave your forced air system off for a few more hours
With a little extra care, broken CFL bulbs can be avoided most of the time. But if you ever find yourself in this sticky situation, remember these tips for an easy and safe cleanup.
