Recently, fluorescent light bulbs have been at an all time high in sales due to the increase of our population switching from everyday light fixtures to ones that are Eco-friendly. For all of you who do not have CFL (compact fluorescent lightbulbs) I recommend the change. They are not only simple to find at local hardware stores, but are around the same price as common light bulbs. Making this simple adjustment in your life can have a dramatic impact on our environment! If you already in fact have these CFLs then here are some ways to dispose of them properly if they break:
1. DO NOT VACUUM: Vacuuming could spread mercury-containing powder
2. Sticky Tape is easy to use to pick up the glass fragments
3. Place the contents into a sealable container
4. Avoid leaving any of the contents picked up indoors; preferably put them in the trash outside
5. Check with your local government about the regulations of how to dispose of the CFLs; some require to be taken directly to a recycling center
6. Leave windows open to air out the room
7. Leave the heating and cooling systems off for several hours to reduce spread of mercury
Claire Elsey
Hi Claire,
ReplyDeleteI am assuming that these light bulbs aren't necessarily healthy for us? Meaning that we have to worry if they break because we might inhale something? Is this different from what we would consider "regular" light bulbs? This is very interesting and will try and switch all of my light bulbs over
Maxine
Very cool post; thanks!
ReplyDeleteMaxine,
ReplyDeleteWhat is inside the light bulbs is not healthy, but they use less energy when creating electricity and last longer allowing us to save electrical power!I don't know if CFL companies could develop a somewhat "safe" light bulb if it broke, but we never know what the future holds!
Claire