How to clean up a broken CFL light bulb (without pain and death)
With all the scaremongering around CFL bulbs and health, I'm often surprised at how many people don't know the correct way to dispose of CFL bulbs, or deal with broken ones. The procedure is pretty simple, and the chances of anything going horribly wrong virtually zero. So here's a quick reminder on what to do in case of breakage.
The official DEFRA guideline on this matter states that 'although the accidental breakage of a lamp is most unlikely to cause any health problems, it's good practice to minimise any unnecessary exposure to mercury, as well as risk of cuts from glass fragments.' Follow the jump for full instructions on how do go about this.
Related: Are you OK with low energy lightbulbs?
Before Clean-up: Ventilate the Room
1. Vacate the room of people and pets and don't let anyone walk through the breakage area on their way out.
2. Open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes or more.
3. Shut off the central heating/air conditioning system, if you have one.
4. Carefully scoop up glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a glass jar with metal lid or in a sealed plastic bag.
5. Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder.
6. Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes and place them in the glass jar or plastic bag.
7. Do not use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces.
