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There’s a video post here urging you to switch to using CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light) bulbs and this probably isn’t the first time you’ve heard about them. You’ve likely been advised multiple times to switch to them in order to save money on your electricity bill while being kinder to the environment.
However, there seems to be a mixed message regarding whether or not it is better to use these bulbs, and if our health is at risk, particularly if one breaks, from exposure to mercury.

So let’s take a look at a few facts and hopefully clear up any questions you may have had about the dangers using CFL bulbs in your house and what precautions you need to take if one breaks.

We know mercury is dangerous to our health and the environment. In 1997 it was number 3 on the EPA’s hazardous substances list, and severe exposure has been linked to a range of health problems, but we want to know what hazards are involved when using CFL bulbs in our home.

Let’s look at a few facts that might help you make your decision:

• There is a very small amount of mercury, about 3-5 mg, contained in the average CFL bulb. To put it in into perspective, there is 5 times that amount in a typical watch battery and dental amalgams contain about 100 times the amount of mercury that a CFL bulb has.
• No mercury is released in your home when the CFL bulbs are used properly. Obviously, use caution as you would any bulb when screwing into the socket, etc.
• Research indicates that there is no risk to you and your family if CFLs are handled, and disposed of, properly if one breaks in your home.

According to Energy Star, there is more risk of being cut by the shattered glass of the bulb than being affected by the exposure to mercury, but there is still a precautionary procedure that you can take to increase your level of safety. Follow these steps if a CFL bulb should happen to break:

1. Ventilate The Room: If there happens to be any level of mercury in the air from the bulb breakage, it should disappear within minutes, but you can ensure your safety by opening a window, shutting off any heating/air conditioning, and have everyone (including pets!) leave the room for 15-20 minutes (Also, don’t let anyone touch the area of breakage)
2. Clean Up: Before getting the small debris, pick up the large pieces carefully, and put them in either a sealed plastic bag, or a glass jar with a metal lid. Using duct tape, pick up any of the small fragments that are left behind.
   Removing the leftover breakage will be vary slightly, depending on the floor surface.

   If carpet, vacuum the area but remove the bag immediately (or if bagless, wipe the inside of canister) and put that debris/vacuum bag inside a sealed plastic bag.

   If hard surface floor, dispose of the paper towel or wipes the same way.

3. Disposal: Check with your local government to confirm your area’s disposal requirements. After disposal, wash your hands!
4. Future Cleaning: If you want to be extra safe (which you do!), ventilate the room the same as above before vacuuming that area the next few times you’re cleaning.

If you are looking for more answers the safety, usage, and general information regarding CFL bulbs, check out the Energy Star Canada CFL Bulbs FAQs, or download the PDF from the Energy Star USA website.