We're not even going to try and interpret this little news bit for you, just read along with the following instructions from our government regarding how to handle our new required compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs). (See this link if you don't believe us.)
CLEANUP AND DISPOSAL OVERVIEW
The most important steps to reduce exposure to mercury vapor from a broken bulb are:
1. Before cleanup
a. Have people and pets leave the room.
b. Air out the room for 5-10 minutes by opening a window or door to the outdoor
environment.
c. Shut off the central forced air heating/air conditioning (HVAC) system, if you have one.
d. Collect materials needed to clean up broken bulb.
2. During cleanup
a. Be thorough in collecting broken glass and visible powder.
b. Place cleanup materials in a sealable container.
3. After cleanup
a. Promptly place all bulb debris and cleanup materials outdoors in a trash container or protected area until materials can be disposed of properly. Avoid leaving any bulb fragments or cleanup materials indoors.
b. For several hours, continue to air out the room where the bulb was broken and leave the HVAC system shut off.
Hmm.... Firstly, we don't like the kind of light that those compact fluorescents put out and are thinking about stocking up our supplies of the old edison versions, but that aside, we like the environment and want to do our part. But we didn't know we were introducing toxic mercury vapors into our homes. If you're clumsy (and perhaps illiterate, or don't have access to these internet-based government guidelines) you're pretty much going to poison yourself soon.
On to the main point, our interpretation of the suggested cleanup process:
"Everyone leave the room! I know it's snowing outside but I have to shut the heat off for a few hours! I just tripped over the lamp, and the bulb broke! I have 5 pairs of rubber gloves, some blankets, and a recycling center nearby. Don't worry, hypothermia is way more curable than mercury poisoning!"
Nevermind the fish from the Pacific people, eat your tuna like there's no tomorrow.... and start loving mercury.
