A broken fluorescent bulb releases mercury vapor. Learn the right steps to protect yourself and building occupants when cleanup is unavoidable.
Fluorescent bulbs contain 3–5 mg of mercury, released as vapor when glass breaks. While levels in a well-ventilated space are below immediately dangerous thresholds, repeated or confined exposures pose real health risks. When a lamp breaks, clear the room immediately, open windows for at least 15 minutes, and keep people and pets out during that time.
Never vacuum broken lamp debris — vacuuming spreads mercury particles through the air and into the machine. Instead, use stiff cardboard to scoop large glass fragments and sticky tape to capture fine powder. Seal all debris in a plastic bag along with your cleanup materials. In Illinois, mercury-containing lamp debris cannot go in regular trash and must be handled as universal waste.
Commercial facilities should keep a mercury spill kit on-site: a mercury sponge, activated carbon powder, disposable gloves, and a sealable waste container. Chicago Lamp Recycling accepts broken lamp debris as part of our full-service program. Call 866-770-2650 for guidance specific to your facility's lamp inventory and risk profile.
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