Housekeeping · 전구 파손 안전

Broken CFL or fluorescent bulb? Ventilate first; avoid vacuuming

Fluorescent tubes and CFL bulbs may contain mercury. The U.S. EPA recommends moving people and pets away, ventilating for 5–10 minutes, collecting pieces with cardboard and tape, and not vacuuming initially.

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This guide addresses mercury-containing fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), not every LED bulb. EPA's approach is ventilation, sealed collection and disposal according to local rules. Seek local environmental or medical guidance if exposure or cleanup is substantial or uncertain.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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Confirm whether it is a fluorescent/CFL lamp, move people and pets away and avoid walking barefoot near fragments.
Open a window or door to outdoors for 5–10 minutes; shut off central forced-air HVAC circulation if practical.
Gather stiff paper or cardboard, sticky tape, damp towels and a sealable jar or bag. Protect hands from sharp fragments.
Do not start by vacuuming or scattering fragments with a broom. Scoop visible pieces and powder with cardboard; lift remaining specks with tape and seal the waste.
Finish hard surfaces with a damp paper towel and seal it with the debris. For carpeting, follow EPA's surface-specific details before considering any vacuum use.
Keep the sealed collection out of occupied indoor areas and consult your municipality's fluorescent-lamp hazardous-waste rules. Wash hands and continue airing out when practical.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

Further reading

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