Save the Environment… Or Harm Yourself?
AP – You know those compact fluorescent light bulbs that everyone is encouraging us to buy because the save energy and money? They have a downside when it comes to thinking green. It turns out the CFLs release a mercury-containing powder if they break. And the mercury-tinged powder can evaporate into the air and is tough to clean up. The government has written guidelines on how to clean up a broken bulb and the mercury it contains. There is also a site that provides information on the various state guidelines to clean up after a CFL breaks.
EPA guidelines on CFL site:
http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/id/univwast/statespf.htm
EPA list of state laws on CFL disposal site:
http://www.epa.gov/mercury/spills/index.htm
