Light Bulbs Hidden Dangers

By WCBD-TV 2 (NBC)

Published: August 14, 2008

When it comes to saving money it could be as easy as screwing in a new light bulb. However, the new compact fluorescent light bulbs, or CFL’s, don’t come without a risk. These new CFL’s contain a small amount of mercury that can be exposed if the bulb breaks.

“The danger is if the bulb is broken. That is the only way the mercury could be released,” said Wendy Cory, professor of biochemistry at the College of Charleston.

The amount of mercury inside a bulb is less than 5 milligrams. That is 1/100th the amount of mercury found in some dental fillings. “Because it is a very small amount I wouldn’t consider it dangerous,” said Cory.

If you do break a CFL here are some steps to follow:

- open a window to allow ventilation for at least 15 minutes
- use a wet rag/duct tape to clean it up and put all of the pieces, and the rag, into a plastic bag
- put all materials in a second sealed plastic bag
- call your local recycling center to see if they accept this material, otherwise put it in your local trash.

As of August 13, Charleston County Solid Waste and Recycling Department now accepts compact fluorescent light bulbs.

The bulbs can be dropped off at any of the following locations:
Bee’s Ferry Road Convenience Center, 1344 Bee’s Ferry Road
Adams Run Convenience Center, 8326 Old Jacksonboro Road
Hollywood Convenience Center, 5305 Highway 165, Hollywood
Edisto Convenience Center, 2844 Highway 174, Edisto Island
Wadmalaw Convenience Center, 1558 Liberia Road, Wadmalaw Island
Charleston County Recycling Center, 13 Romney Street, Charleston
Maxville Road Convenience Center, 6380 Maxville Road, Awendaw
River Road Convenience Center, 1775 River Road, McClellanville