Safety of New Light Bulbs
Lightbulbs, as do any devices that are powered by electricity, present some hazards to users. Compact fluorescent lamps, or CFLs, present risks similar to halogen or fluorescent bulbs, but also require a unique set of safety precautions because they contain mercury. Does this Spark an idea?
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Mercury
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CFL bulbs contain a small amount of mercury that, if ingested in significant amounts, is a neurotoxin. If a CFL bulb is broken, allow the the room to ventilate for 15 minutes before proceeding with the cleanup. Don latex or rubber gloves and use a piece of cardboard or rigid plastic to sweep up the glass. Get remaining smaller pieces with a sticky piece of duct tape.
Exposure
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Never touch any pieces of a broken CFL with bare skin. Sweeping or vacuuming up broken pieces also are not recommended because mercury vapor can be dispersed into the air. When disposing of the remains, take them directly outside and be sure to properly dispose of gloves and tools used in the cleanup process.
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Epilepsy Risks
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People who suffer from photosensitive epilepsy, or light-induced seizures, can be triggered into a seizure from the flicker rate of incandescent lighting. A study conducted by the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks concluded that CFL bulbs do not flicker in the frequency most sensitive to photosensitive epileptics and have been deemed as safe as any other type of lamp.
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