Photo Courtesy: Wizetux

Did you know that a compact flourescent lamp (CFL) contains 3 to 6 milligrams of Mercury? Mercury vapor is hazardous to humans. A broken CFL must be disposed of carefully. There are certain precautions to be taken while cleaning up.

Immediately after a CFL is broken, ventilate the room. Ask every living being to leave the room. If there is a child especially an infant pick him up and go out to get some fresh air. See if the child is choking or having any breathing problems. If so, then rush to a doctor. Have pets taken out of the room. Do not allow anyone to go through the room until cleaning up operation is over. Open the nearest windows to let any mercury fumes from the broken CFL to leave out. Keep the windows and doors open for about fifteen minutes. If you are running an air conditioning or room heater switch them off.

Remove the broken glass pieces of CFL using a cardboard or a plastic plate and put them into a plastic bag. Use a duct tape or a cell-o-tape to pick up remaining small glass pieces. Put them into the plastic bag. Use a wet towel or damp paper napkin to wipe and clean the surface area. Put the towel into the plastic bag. Do not use a broom stick or a vacuum cleaner to clean the floors of broken CFL pieces. However, you can use a vacuum cleaner after the above mentioned procedure if the CFL is broken over a carpet.

Dispose the plastic bag. Place them in a trash can outdoors. Wash your hands with water and mild soap.

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I Am New,
Krish Murali Eswar.