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Are Mercury Light Bulbs Causing Sickness for Workers?

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) contain mercury vapor. If the bulb breaks, the vapor gets released. According to the Michigan Department of Community Health, the amount of mercury released will not make anyone sick.

  1. Canadian Medical Association Journal

    • CFLs pose less of a breakage hazard than old fashioned thermometers.

      An article in the Canadian Medical Association Journal debunks many of the questions surrounding CFLs. Their light does not cause melanoma, and bulbs do not contain enough mercury to harm individuals when the bulbs break.

    Hazardous Waste

    • Recycle mercury containing bulbs whenever possible.

      A concern with mercury containing bulbs is disposal. Many of these bulbs will end up in landfills. Posing a possible long term health problem. Try to recycle when possible. Stores, such as IKEA home furnishing, often have a recycling program.

    Why Use Mercury Containing Lamps

    • Mercury containing bulbs use less energy.

      The primary reason for using mercury-containing light bulbs is they use less energy. According to numbers from Energy Star.gov, lighting accounts for 20 percent of home energy use. CFL's can cut that use by up to 75 percent. They also produce less heat than incandescent bulbs, reducing the risk of burns and fires.

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