In the News: CFLs are Safe, Just Follow Simple Steps if One Breaks

Worried about the trace amounts of mercury in compact fluorescent light bulbs? The bulbs save energy and help the environment. It's unllikely yours will break--but if you do accidentally end up with a broken bulb, there are a few simple steps to cleaning it up properly.  

Watch KVUE's feature on how to clean up a broken CFL

 

What to do if a CFL breaks:

--Open a window, turn off the air conditioning and leave the room for at least 15 minutes.

--Scoop up the glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or
cardboard and place them in a glass jar with a metal lid or a sealed
plastic bag.

--Use sticky tape to pick up any remaining fragments or powder.

--Wipe the area with damp paper towels and place them and anything else
that touched the debris in the sealed jar or plastic bag.

--Wash your hands.