Questions about CFL's

Thanks for all of the feedback! I would be happy to answer your questions you have about CFL's.


As a commented, CFL stands for compound florescent light bulb.

CFL's contain mercury. The amount of mercury is relatively small, but it can cause environmental damage if the bulbs are crushed in a landfill and the mercury escapes. Mercury causes severe neurological and kidney problems in humans.

When it is time to dispose of CFL's, you can either take them to a hazardous waste drop off or a special recycling center. DO NOT throw them in the garbage. Stores like IKEA and Homedepot will accept them too in some areas.

If you break a CFL, don't panic and follow these instructions for clean up

1. • Open a window or several windows for ventilation. If the room (e.g., bathroom or kitchen) has an exhaust fan, turn it on.
   • Leave the room and instruct others to do the same, carefully walking around the damaged area. Don't forget to remove pets from the room as well.
   • Shut off your heat or air conditioning to ensure mercury vapor doesn't recirculate throughout the home.
   • Allow room to ventilate for 15-20 minutes before venturing back into the area to clean the breakage.
   • How to clean CFL breakage on hard surface floors such as tile and wood.
      
     1) Scoop up glass fragments and powder using cardboard or a piece of paper that you have curled up lengthwise and dump contents into a plastic zip bag.
      
     2) Grab a large piece of sticky tape (e.g., masking tape, duct tape, or packing tape) and pat affected area to remove tiny glass fragments and/or powder you missed during the first cleaning.
      
     3) Wipe the floor with a wet rag or wet paper towel and place it in the zip bag.
   • How to clean CFL breakage on rugs or carpet floors.
      
     1) Put on your gloves and carefully pick up shattered glass fragments.
      
     2) Place glass shards in a plastic zip bag.
      
     3) Grab a large piece of sticky tape (e.g., masking tape, duct tape, or packing tape) and pat affected area to remove tiny glass fragments and/or powder you may have missed during the first round of cleaning.
      
     4) Vacuum the affected area to ensure no tiny shards of glass have made their way deep down into the shag.
      
     5) When you are done vacuuming, remove and replace the vacuum bag. If the machine is bagless, affix your dust mask or respirator onto your face. Dump into a trash bag and seal tightly.
   • How to dispose of dust and debris from a shattered CFL. Check with your state and/or local government regarding disposal of hazardous waste. If no restrictions exist, immediately take plastic bags outdoors for regular disposal; otherwise you may have to hand the broken bulb to a special recycling center.
   • Wash your hands thoroughly. It's also a good idea to wash clothes as well.

Read more: How to Clean a Shattered CFL | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_6015210_clean-shattered-cfl.html#ixzz1AGxqHZRq

Remember, when properly handled, the benefits of using CFL's ( energy savings) can be great. Don't avoid CFL's or not use them if you have them. As with many other beneficial technologies, a small amount of caution is required.

I hope I've cleared up some of the problems and answered your questions . Stay green!