3 main damage and danger after breaking low-energy light bulbs that you should know

Energy saving lamps are one of the most widely used types of lamps in the world. These lamps have more advantages than incandescent lamps and other types of lamps due to their low energy consumption and long lifespan. However, the use of mercury in the structure of energy-saving lamps can become a threat to human health, especially when these lamps break.

Damage caused by breaking a low-energy light bulb

Breaking a low-energy light bulb can lead to the release of mercury into the environment. Mercury is a toxic substance that can harm human health. Among the damages caused by breaking a low-energy light bulb, the following can be mentioned:

• Mercury poisoning: This substance can damage the nervous system, kidneys and other organs of the body.
• Vision disorders:  Mercury can cause vision disorders such as cataracts.
• Anemia: its contact with the skin can cause anemia.
• Premature birth:  Mercury can increase the risk of premature birth.

Safety hazards 

Breaking a low-energy light bulb can also cause various safety hazards. Among these risks, the following can be mentioned:

• Damage caused by mercury vapor:  Mercury vapor can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.
• Damages caused by broken glass:  broken glass of energy-saving lamps can cause skin wounds.

Protection solutions

To avoid damage caused by breaking a low-energy lamp, you must take the following precautions:

• Place energy-saving lamps in safe places out of the reach of children.
• In case of broken energy saving lamp, leave the place immediately and open the windows to let the mercury vapor escape.
• Use a mask and gloves to avoid contact with mercury vapor and broken glass.
• Do not use a vacuum cleaner to pick up broken glass.
• Clean the broken part of the lamp with a wet cloth.

Energy-saving lamps have many advantages, but the use of mercury in the structure of these lamps can become a threat to human health. Therefore, it is necessary to take necessary precautions while using energy-efficient lamps and take proper safety measures in case these lamps break.

The dangers and consequences of breaking a low-energy light bulb

The breaking of energy-saving lamps can cause serious harm to human health. Here are some important issues to consider when this happens:

Mercury poisoning

Mercury is a toxic substance that can harm human health. Each light bulb contains 5 mg of mercury. Breaking the light bulb releases mercury into the environment. Mercury vapor can be absorbed through the skin, lungs and digestive system. Mercury can damage the nervous system, kidneys, liver and other organs. Among the effects of mercury poisoning, the following can be mentioned:

• Nervous disorders: The release of mercury in the environment can cause malfunctions in the brain and the center of the body’s nervous system. These disorders can lead to problems such as memory loss, fatigue, depression and movement disorders.
• Vision disorders: It can also cause vision disorders. These disorders can lead to problems such as cataracts, reduced vision, and blindness.
• Fertility disorders: In addition, it can cause fertility disorders. It should be noted that if pregnant women are exposed to this toxic metal, they may experience disorders that lead to problems such as miscarriage, congenital abnormalities, and the birth of premature babies.

The dangers of UV

Energy-efficient lamps produce UV rays that can damage the skin. UV rays can cause wrinkles, spots and skin cancer. Proportionate use and limitation in proximity to moonlight lamps are important and reduce long-term effects on health.

fire

Reports indicate that energy-efficient light bulbs have caused fires, especially when the bulb was left on. Many lamps are not designed to work indoors. Therefore, the use of special lamps and the use of a safety switch are recommended for these cases.

Headaches and migraines

Using energy-saving lamps may cause some people to have headaches, nausea and migraines. People who work in environments with a lack of natural light may be sensitive to their colleagues who use moonlight lamps.

Solutions to prevent damage caused by breaking energy-saving lamps

To avoid damage caused by breaking energy-saving lamps, you should take the following precautions:

• Place energy-saving lamps in safe places out of the reach of children.
• In case of broken energy saving lamp, leave the place immediately and open the windows to let the mercury vapor escape.
• Use a mask and gloves to avoid contact with mercury vapor and broken glass.
• Do not use a vacuum cleaner to pick up broken glass.
• Clean the broken part of the lamp with a wet cloth.

How to dispose of low consumption lamps

Energy-saving lamps should not be disposed of with normal waste. These lamps must be delivered to special waste collection centers. Special waste collection centers dispose of low consumption lamps in safe and standard ways.

Immediate actions in case of breaking a low-energy lamp

Breaking a low-energy light bulb can pose risks to people’s health and safety. Therefore, if these bulbs break, you must take immediate and safety measures to avoid these hazards.

Immediate actions

• Ventilation of the environment: open the windows immediately to ventilate the environment. If the ventilation device or fan is active, turn them off.
• Turn off the lamp: If the lamp is broken while on, turn it off immediately to avoid the risk of electric shock or fire.
• Leaving the place:  Do not stay in the place for at least 15 minutes to avoid inhaling mercury vapor.

next actions

• Collecting glass and mercury: After at least 15 minutes, you can collect broken glass and mercury. For this, use gloves and a mask.
• Cleaning the area:  Clean the fracture area using a wet towel and a solution of soap and water.
• Replacing the lamp:  After collecting the glass and mercury and cleaning the place, replace the broken lamp with a new one.

Conclusion

• In case of broken energy saving lamp, you should take necessary measures as soon as possible to avoid possible dangers.
• Mercury vapor in energy-saving lamps can be harmful to human health. Therefore, you should avoid inhaling mercury vapor if these lamps break.
• Use gloves and a mask to collect broken glass and mercury.
• After collecting the lamp and mercury glass, clean the broken place using a damp cloth and a solution of soap and water.
• One of the effective solutions to prevent the risks of breaking a low-energy lamp is to use a metal halogen frame. These frames prevent the release of mercury in the environment and reduce the risk of fire.

Preservation of the environment and human health is of great importance. Choosing safe and smart solutions can help this goal. The use of energy-efficient lamps, following safety precautions, can help reduce energy consumption and protect the environment. Also, the use of a metal halogen frame can minimize the risks of breaking low-energy lamps.

• Energy-saving lamps have many advantages, but the use of mercury in their structure can create risks for human health and safety.
• If an energy-efficient light bulb breaks, you must take immediate action to prevent mercury emissions and fire hazards.
• Using a metal halogen frame can be a safe and effective solution to prevent the risks of breaking low-energy lamps.

To get more information and use ZEM Group’s products, you can refer to the site and use advanced technologies to protect buildings and residential houses to protect your health against possible risks. Also, taking care of the environment is one of our first priorities, and choosing safe and smart solutions can help this goal