Potential Exposure of Mercury Due to Broken Fluorescent Lamps in the Workplace

    MINNETONKA, MN, August 10, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Like many products (see "What is mercury and what are the risks" post), fluorescent lamps--which are used in many workplaces due to their significant energy savings--contain hazardous mercury. Estimates of the amount of mercury released when the lamps are broken--which typically occurs when used lights are discarded--have varied widely.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection published a study dealing with the potential exposure of mercury due to broken bulbs in the workplace in the "Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association." Based on a new method used to measure mercury released from broken lamps, it was found that 17% to 40% of the mercury in broken low-mercury fluorescent lamps is released to the air during the two-week period immediately following breakage, with higher temperatures contributing to higher release rates. One-third of the mercury release occurs during the first 8 hours after breakage.

These findings indicate that airborne levels of mercury in the vicinity of recently broken bulbs could exceed occupational exposure limits, as defined by state and federal authorities. A better method of containment is required to protect consumers and transporters against the release of mercury in case of breakage and to satisfy both OSHA and Universal Waste regulations. Download a research project summary here: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/dsr/research/mercury-bulbs.pdf.

A recently patented packaging system including a zip-closure plastic-foil laminate bag layered between two cardboard boxes has been proven to effectively contain mercury vapor. Download a copy of a recent University of Minnesota study abstract to learn more: http://www.mwsi.com/new/ABSTRACT_Preventing_Mercury_Vapor_Release_from_Broken_Fluorescent_Lamps_during_Shipping.pdf.

Read more here: http://vaporlok.blogspot.com/

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