Facts About CFLs

Sealed within the glass tubing of CFLs, is a very small amount of mercury. On average, CFLs contain four milligrams of mercury – about the same amount that would fit on the tip of a ballpoint pen. This may seem high to some, but keep in mind that old thermometers contained about 500 milligrams of mercury. Mercury  allows the bulb to be an efficient light source. No mercury is released when the bulbs are intact or not being used.

Thanks to a commitment from members of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), most makers of light bulbs have reduced mercury in their products. This has been made easier by advances in technology. Based on these two factors, the average mercury content in CFLs dropped at least 20 percent in the past few years. Some manufacturers have gone as far to have dropped their CFLs’ mercury content to 1.4 to 2.5 milligrams per light bulb.

Like other light bulbs, CFLs are made of glass and can break. Be careful when removing a CFL from its packaging, installing  a new one into a lamp or fixture, or replacing one once it burns out. Always hold the base of the bulb, not the glass, when screwing and unscrewing it. Don’t force the bulb into the socket. If a CFL breaks in your home, follow the clean-up recommendations provided by the EPA. Used CFLs should be properly disposed of through recycling.

The EPA recommends that burnt out CFLs are returned to local recycling centers or household hazardous waste events that accept CFLs. If your state or local environmental agency allows you to put used or broken CFLs in the garbage, make sure to seal the bulb in two plastic bags before being placed in an outdoor trash can for pickup. Never send a fluorescent light bulb or any other mercury-containing product to an incinerator.