By Taylor Romanowski

The solution that saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions – those curly compact fluorescent light bulbs {CFLs} are replacing Edison’s original round bulbs and are seen everywhere, from local grocery stores to our homes. But what you may not know is that sealed inside each little bulb, a hidden danger is lurking, one that involves special handling and disposal and can possibly harm you and your family.

Everyone’s heard of Mercury, not the planet… the metallic element. Hg on the Periodic table, Mercury is a highly toxic, developmental neurotoxin that can damage the brain, liver, kidneys and central nervous system. In 2007, Mercury ranked number three on the list of hazardous substances as outlined by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry {ATSDR} and the Environmental Protection Agency {EPA}. Every form of it is toxic and yet mercury is an essential element in millions of fluorescent lamps throughout the world. The Mercury from just one fluorescent bulb can pollute 6,000 gallons of water beyond safe levels for drinking!

Sure, these light bulbs are advertised as “safe” and don’t pose any health risks to you as long as the glass remains intact. See, the danger in these bulbs comes if the bulb cracks, breaks or is not disposed of properly. Of course these bulbs are going to break… they’re made of glass! And not to mention the health effects these bulbs pose on our environment if, for heaven's sake, one of these glass bulbs were to crack. The EPA reports, “187 incinerators nationwide emit approximately 70,000 pounds of mercury into the environment each year.” From the air to waterways, lakes to oceans – mercury is found everywhere in our environment. Just one teaspoon of mercury can contaminate a 20-acre lake forever and it’s estimated that each year 600 million fluorescent lamps are disposed of in US landfills amounting to 30,000 pounds of mercury waste.

With new inventions constantly popping up, the past is left behind us. Now, when your CFL light bulb accidentally breaks, mercury vapors are released into your home or office; it’s no longer as easy as changing a light bulb. YOU need to know what to do to minimize you and your family’s exposure to mercury vapor.

According to the EPA

• People and pets should leave the room
• Open a window and/or door and air out the room for 5 to 10 minutes
• Turn off the central forced air heating/air-conditioning system
• Thoroughly collect broken glass and visible powder using wet cloths. Never use vacuum cleaners or brooms
• Put all debris and cleanup materials in a sealable container and put outdoors in a trash container or protected area until materials can be disposed of properly. Do not leave bulb fragments or cleanup materials indoors.

Did you know: It’s actually unlawful for anyone to dispose of their fluorescent bulbs as universal waste in the states of California, Minnesota, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. To see your state's regulations click here