How to clean up a broken compact fluorescent light bulb

When a compact fluorescent lightbulb shatters, the cleanup involves a series of steps. That's because a CFL contains a small amount of mercury that's sealed in glass tubing, and when the bulb breaks, some mercury is released as a vapor-posing potential health risks.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offers step-by-step cleanup advice. The agency says the tips represent the minimum actions recommended and will update the recommendations as it identifies more effective cleanup practices. Check out the tips, and if a bulb breaks and you are unsure what to do, leave the area and call your state environmental agency for advice.

But do take steps to prevent CFLs from breaking, such as not using these bulbs in lamps in play spaces or other areas where light fixtures can be easily broken or knocked over.