Fluorescent light bulbs contain a very small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing. EPA recommends the following clean-up and disposal guidelines:
Open a window and leave the room (restrict access) for at least 15 minutes.
Remove all materials you can without using a vacuum cleaner.
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Wear disposable rubber gloves, if available (do not use your bare hands).
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Carefully scoop up the fragments and powder with stiff paper or cardboard.
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Wipe the area clean with a damp paper towel or disposable wet wipe.
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Sticky tape (such as duct tape) can be used to pick up small pieces and powder.
Place all cleanup materials in two sealable plastic bags.
- If no other disposal or recycling options are available, put used or broken fluorescent light bulbs in the garbage. Seal the bulb in a sealable plastic bag, place the first bag in a second sealable plastic bag and put into the outside trash.
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Wash your hands after disposing of the bag.
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The first time you vacuum the area where the bulb was broken, remove the vacuum bag once you have done cleaning the area (or empty and wipe the canister) and put the bag and/or vacuum debris, as well as the cleaning materials, in two sealed plastic bags in the outdoor trash or protected outdoor location for normal disposal.
References:
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Guidelines - link to www.epa.gov/mercury/spills/index.htm#flourescent
