"I have heard fluorescent lights contain a dangerous amount of mercury which can be toxic if the bulbs are broken. Is there any truth to this?"
-Ann, Nipomo
Ann ... fluorescent lights do contain about five milligrams of mercury per bulb. In comparison … a household mercury thermometer contains about five hundred milligrams … so you can see the amount in light bulbs is small. However … there are many websites stating broken fluorescent lights are indeed very dangerous. However .. the Environmental Protection Agency does not deem a broken bulb as an environmental or medical hazard … but they do have some suggestions on how to clean up a mess if a bulb breaks.
First … open up a window stay out of the area for at least fifteen minutes to prevent inhaling any dust. Using latex gloves … try to pick up as much debris as possible and wipe any surfaces clean with a moist paper towel. You can also use duct tape to pick up any fine pieces or powder. After vacuuming the area … be sure to seal up the vacuum bag before throwing it away.
