How To Clean Up a Broken CFL Light Bulb

As a real estate agent and EcoBroker I soon discovered many clients use Compact Florescent Lights (CFL) but are unaware that they could be dangerous if they break.   Do you know how to clean up a CFL should one break?  CFL lights contain the neurotoxin mercury which we are told is safe if contained but once a bulb breaks it is no longer contained.   There is little data on the health and safety impact should one break so the Precautionary Principle or better safe than sorry, is important in this case.

As a Realtor and EcoBroker I soon discovered many clients use Compact Florescent Lights (CFL) but are unaware

When I was replacing my CFL lights and going back to incandescent bulbs I broke a CFL.  I wasn’t as prepared as I wanted to be.  I knew where to go for the information and what materials I needed but it was a stressful event and I know I made some mistakes.

I decided that it was time to get the word out about how to clean up a CFL light so my clients and friends are prepared if a breakage should occur.  The first step is to have a kit available, then know the cleanup steps and finally know what NEVER to do.  These instructions are a slight modification from the EPA' instructionserring more on the side of caution and based on the data the state of Maine determined was safe after doing a study on broken CFL lights.

BROKEN CFL LIGHT KIT

Several  mason canning jars  or jars with a rubber seal on the lid (the larger the better).
1 roll of duct tape
1 dust mask
1 pair of rubber gloves
10 large index cards
Several microfiber cloths ( you will be throwing these away)
Written instructions on how to clean up a broken CFL light
A drop cloth whenever you are working with CFL lights

HOW TO CLEAN UP A BROKEN CFL LIGHT

1. Remove people and pets from the breakage area and keep them away – step around the area where the break occurred when leaving
2. Open all windows and leave the area for 15 minutes before returning to begin cleanup.
3. Wear rubber gloves and a dust mask – you will put both in one of the sealed glass containers when finished.
4. Carefully remove large pieces with the index cards and place them in the glass container(s).
5. Tape the duct tape over the area and pick up all remaining fine particles.  Put in the glass container.
6. Wipe the area with a damp microfiber cloth, put in glass container.  Do not rinse the cloths between uses.  I cut the cloths into several pieces so I have multiple smaller cloths.
7. Put all waste and cleanup materials in the glass container, seal it and label it Toxic Waste Broken Light. (you may have several glass containers)
8. Wash your hands and face carefully with soap.
9. Remove glass container from the home.
10. Continue ventilating the room for several hours.
11. Take the glass container with the waste material to a facility that accepts toxic waste.
12. Check Earth 911 for a toxic waste facility near you.
13. If there were throw rugs in the area remove them and bring them to the toxic waste facility.  Do not wash any rugs that may have been contaminated.
14. If the break happened on carpeting cut the area of carpet where the breakage occurred and remove it.  Thie is especially important if the area is occupied by infants, small children, pregnant women, the elderly, pets or people with compromised immune systems.

Whenever you replace a CFL light put down a drop cloth so any accidental breakage can be cleaned up easily.  Should the CFL light break the drop cloth and broken CFL light must still be taken to a toxic waste facility following the procedure above.

Consider not using CFL lights in areas where they can be broken easily, in children’s rooms, in areas where there is carpeting, in bedrooms and areas that are frequented by women who are pregnant, children, pets, the elderly or near people with compromised immune systems.

Do not store used or burned out CFL lights before recycling as that may increase chances of breakage. Check Earth911 to find out where to recycle CFL lights in your area.

WHAT NEVER TO DO

NEVER use a vacuum not even one with a HEPA filter
NEVER use a broom
NEVER pour mercury down a drain, in your yard or in the sewer
NEVER wash clothing or other items that have come in direct contact with mercury
NEVER walk around your house or yard if your shoes might be contaminated with mercury
NEVER put a broken CFL lights in a plastic bag as plastic will not contain the mercury

Lets keep our world safe.