The low-energy lamp contains quicksilver
The low-energy lamp contains between 1-5 mg of Quicksilver per lamp and should be returned for recycling, as should lightbulbs, halogen bulbs and LEDs.
In a cold, new lamp, quicksilver can be found in the form of either small quicksilver droplets, solid amalgam or quicksilver/iron bearings. When a lamp is switched on, the temperature rises and the quicksilver vaporises, finally filling the lamp with vapour. After use, when the lamp cools, the vapour returns to its previous form of small droplets and also, to some extent, to amalgam.
This is what to do if a low-energy lamp breaks
No negative health effects are expected to arise in the event of a single exposure to quicksilver. But because gaseous quicksilver is readily taken up through inhalation and is then accumulated in the body, it is sensible to avoid exposure to gaseous quicksilver for safety reasons.
If a cold lamp breaks
Collect together the remains of the lamp for example with a piece of stiff paper or carton and place them in a glass jar which has a lid. Clean the floor with a small moist cloth. Place the cloth also in the glass jar, seal the jar and mark it for example with the text "may contain quicksilver from a low-energy lamp". Return the jar to the recycling/waste management depot - at the department that takes care of environmentally-hazardous waste.
Do not use a vacuum cleaner. There is a risk that the vacuum cleaner scatters and vaporises the droplets of quicksilver further, spreading them in the air. This increases the risk of inhalation.
Recommendations when a hot lamp breaks
Close the door to the room where a hot lamp has broken. Ventilate the room by opening for example a window and then leave the room. The European Lamp Companies Federation (ELC) recommends that you leave the room for 20-30 minutes. When the remains of the lamp have cooled, you can collect them for example with a piece of stiff paper or carton and then you should wipe the floor and other surfaces close to the broken lamp with a small, moist cloth. Place the remains of the lamp in a glass jar which has a lid. Place the rag also in the glass jar, seal the jar and mark it, for example with the text "may contain quicksilver from a low-energy lamp". Return the jar to the recycling/waste management depot - at the department that takes care of environmentally-hazardous waste.
Do not use a vacuum cleaner. There is a risk that the vacuum cleaner scatters and vaporises the droplets of quicksilver further, spreading them in the air. This increases the risk of inhalation.
The low-energy lamp is an alternative to the lightbulb
From September 2009, the lightbulb will be phased out and it will then be forbidden to import frosted lightbulbs and clear 100 W lightbulbs. By 2013, the lightbulb will be phased out and an alternative will be used, the low-energy lamp is one alternative.
