Fluorescent bulbs contain mercury (Hg), which is highly toxic. If a fluorescent bulb breaks, follow these VT Dept of Health instructions:
- Evacuate the space and close off from rest of the building.
- Ventilate area for at least 15 minutes
- Remove all bulb materials you can, and don’t use a vacuum cleaner or you will spread Hg and permanently contaminate your vacuum.
- Wear disposable gloves if available
- Carefully scoop up the glass fragments and powder with a stiff paper or cardboard (such as playing cards or index cards)
- Pick up any remaining small pieces of glass and powder using sticky tape (such as masking or duct tape)
- Wipe the area clean with a damp paper towel or disposable wet wipe
- If carpeted area, remove carpet and dispose.
- Place all cleanup materials (cardboard, gloves, tape, etc.) into a tightly-lidded, rigid, plastic container.
- Wash your hands.
- Leave windows in the affected room open as long as practical (weather permitting).
Broken fluorescent bulbs may be disposed of at a Household Hazardous Waste Collection or Eco Depot.