Knowledge Base

CFLs and other fluorescent light bulbs contain a small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing. When a fluorescent bulb breaks in your home, some of this mercury is released as mercury vapor. To minimize exposure to mercury vapor, we recommends that you follow the cleanup steps described below.

Before Cleanup

• Have people leave the room.
• Air out the room for 5-10 minutes by opening a window or door to the outdoor environment.
• Shut off the conditioning system, if you have one.
• Collect materials needed to clean up broken bulb:
  • stiff paper or cardboard;
  • sticky tape;
  • damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes (for hard surfaces); and
  • a glass jar with a metal lid or a sealable plastic bag.

During Cleanup

• DO NOT VACUUM.  Vacuuming is not recommended unless broken glass remains after all other cleanup steps have been taken.  Vacuuming could spread mercury-containing powder or mercury vapor.
• Be thorough in collecting broken glass and visible powder.  Scoop up glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard.  Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder. Place the used tape in the glass jar or plastic bag.
• Place cleanup materials in a sealable container.

After Cleanup

• Promptly place all bulb debris and cleanup materials, including vacuum cleaner bags, outdoors in a protected area until materials can be disposed of.  Avoid leaving any bulb fragments or cleanup materials indoors.
• Continue to air out the room where the bulb was broken and leave the air conditioning system shut off for several hours.

Source: US Environmental Protection Agency

Useful Link: Recycle the Bulb