Significance

• According to the EPA, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) can use 75 percent less energy than normal filament-based light bulbs (see reference 1). Using CFL bulbs is important for lowering power consumption.
  
  

Function

• Fluorescent light bulbs work by running an electric charge through a trace amount of mercury inside the bulb. The charged mercury releases white light.
  
  

Warning

• Mercury vapor has been linked to neurological problems and kidney damage (see reference 2). Breaking a fluorescent light bulb will release the mercury as a vapor, although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that the 5 mg is negligible if cleaned properly (see reference 1).
  
  

Prevention

• Fluorescent light bulbs present no danger if unbroken. Handle fluorescent bulbs carefully, unscrew them by turning the base, and handle the glass tubing gently (see reference 3).
  
  

Solution

• If broken, a fluorescent bulb can be cleaned up by gently sweeping the broken glass and powder into a sealable container. Do not use your unprotected hands or a vacuum cleaner. Ventilate the room to clear the vapor.
  
  

Fun Fact

• Compact fluorescent light bulbs will actually spread less mercury than a normal lightbulb. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the energy savings mean a 76 percent reduction in mercury emissions from coal (see reference 1).