Shining a light on fluorescent bulbs

Since CFL contain mercury, if you break a bulb there are hazards to you, your family and your pets. The EPA offers a detailed, 11-step procedure you should follow: Air out the room for a quarter of an hour. Wear gloves. Double-bag the refuse. Use duct tape to lift the residue from a carpet. Don’t use a vacuum cleaner, as that will only spread the problem. The next time you vacuum the area, immediately dispose of the vacuum bag.

Try to recycle the waste to avoid the mercury from going into a landfill. More tips are available at the EPA website.