![]() ![]() Mercury escapes as vapor that can be inhaled and as a fine powder that can settle into carpet and other textiles. (A single thermostat switch, still common in many homes, may contain 3,000 milligrams (0.1 ounce) of mercury, or as much as 600 compact fluorescents.) That's why officials have curtailed or banned its use in applications from thermometers to automotive and thermostat switches. It is especially harmful to the brains of both fetuses and children. Mercury is essential to a fluorescent bulb's ability to emit light no other element has proved as efficient.Īs effective as it is at enabling white light, however, mercury-sometimes called quicksilver-is also highly toxic. ![]() Compact fluorescents, like their tubular fluorescent precursors, contain a small amount of mercury-typically around five milligrams. The answer lies in the type of bulb that broke-a compact fluorescent lightbulb-and what was inside that bulb. So why would a single broken bulb in a Maine household trigger the state's Department of Environmental Protection to refer the homeowner to a decontaminator? By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today. If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |