CFL and Fluorescent Bulb Disposal (Mercury) — household safety profile

What is this product?

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and linear fluorescent tubes containing 1-5 mg mercury each. Mercury is released as vapor when bulbs break — toxic at room temperature. EPA recommends specific cleanup procedures for broken CFLs including ventilation for 15+ minutes. Although LED bulbs have largely replaced CFLs, billions of mercury-containing fluorescent bulbs remain in use and require proper disposal. Most states prohibit fluorescent bulb disposal in regular trash.

What's in it

Click any compound name for its full safety profile, regulatory consensus, and exposure data.

Who's most at risk

• Children — Developing endocrine and neurological systems, higher exposure per body weight

Red flags — when to walk away

• Product involved in active regulatory review or litigation — Safety profile under scrutiny.

Green flags — what to look for

• Third-party testing or regulatory certification — Independent safety verification.

Safer alternatives

• LED bulbs — mercury-free, more efficient, longer lasting
• LED tubes as replacement for linear fluorescent — retrofit kits available
• Incandescent bulbs — mercury-free, but much less efficient

Frequently asked questions