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Prepared, in collaboration, by researchers from NJDEP, Division of Science, Research and Technology; NJDEP, Office of Pollution Prevention and Permit Coordination; and New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.

This study examines the amount of mercury released from broken fluorescent bulbs. Mercury is a persistent, bioaccumulative toxin. Although human exposure to mercury largely derives from fish consumption, inhalation and dermal contact may also occur. Estimates vary regarding the amount of mercury released when fluorescent bulbs are broken on discard. This study establishes that between 17% and 40% of the mercury in low-mercury fluorescent bulbs is released to the air within two weeks of breakage, with one-third of the release occurring in the first eight hours after breakage. Higher temperatures contribute to higher release rates. It is estimated that discarded bulbs might release 2 to 4 tons of mercury per year in the U.S., with localized airborne mercury levels potentially exceeding occupational exposure limits.

4435

http://www.state.nj.us/dep/dsr/research/

http://hdl.rutgers.edu/1782.1/NJEDL.Report.n4435

doi:10.7282/T3N58N5V

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