A research reported in a monthly, only online journal Environmental Engineering Science, published by Mary Ann Liebert, claims that compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) when broken release continuously mercury vapor into the surroundings for several weeks to even months and the total exposure level may exceed permissible levels of liquid mercury (Hg) suggested by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Environmental Engineering Science is an authoritative interdisciplinary journal publishing state-of-the-art studies of innovative solutions to problems in air, water, and land contamination and waste disposal.
The research performed by Li Jin and Yadong Li, from Jackson State University (Jackson, MS), reports that the broken CFLs release the mercury vapor into open air for quite a long period damaging the environment and the total amount released will cross the tolerance levels of humans in a room with poor ventilation and should be considered as unsafe.
The researchers performed the research on four different wattages of CFLs manufactured by eight different companies. They found that the mercury content varied considerably from brand to brand. The researchers have adopted a process developed and suggested by EPA to quantify the percolating level of mercury in liquids and deployed an emission supervising system to identify the intensity of Hg vapor.
They suggested quick removal of busted CFLs and sufficient level of ventilation to prevent people from inhaling the vaporized mercury. They also have suggested appropriate type of packaging to cut down the risk of CFLs breakage and hold back the Hg vapor released from going outside even if the package breaks thus minimizing human exposure to the dangerous gas.