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Benchmark Realty, LLC

How Do I Clean Up A Broken Compact Fluorescent Bulb?

June 27, 2011

Compact fluorescent light bulbs are widely praised for their energy-efficiency and relatively low price points. However, unlike traditional light bulbs, they pose a specific health risk to humans and pets. Most compact fluorescent light bulbs are loaded with mercury vapor and mercury is poisonous -- even in very small doses. And, unfortunately, sometimes light bulbs break, releasing toxins into the air. To assist homeowners in Franklin , the EPA published a series of CFL-handling guidelines on its website under the heading "[How Should I Clean Up A Broken Fluorescent Bulb?](http://www.energystar.gov/ia/products/lighting/cfls/downloads/CFL_Cleanup_and_Disposal.pdf "Cleaning and disposing of a broken CFL")". The EPA's advice is specific and geared toward safety. A few of the tips include: 1. Have people and pets leave the room immediately 2. Shut down your home's HVAC unit to prevent airflow 3. Using rubber gloves, place glass fragments and "powder" in a glass jar, or sealed plastic bag. In addition, the EPA says to throw out all clothing and bedding that has come into direct contact with a broken bulb. You should not attempt to wash items such as these. They may contain mercury fragments that could contaminate your laundry machines and/or your sewage system. Lastly, make sure to keep your CFLs separate from your regular trash; they're not meant for landfills. Compact fluorescent light bulbs should be recycled with a verified waste management company. You can find one at [http://earth911.com](http://earth911.com/ "Earth 911 - Recommended by the EPA").

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Residential courtyard with a pergola, three Adirondack chairs, and a stone-filled fire pit.

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Team Tate

[email protected]
(615) 579-3628

318 Seaboard Ln # 112 Franklin, TN 37067