• Light bulbs contain either lead or mercury, depending on the bulb.light bulb image by Adkok from Fotolia.com
  
  Light bulb hazards fall into two categories, obvious and not so obvious. Broken glass is the obvious light bulb hazard. Not so obvious dangers include lead contained in incandescent bulbs and mercury found in compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides a multi-step process for cleaning up and disposing of broken CFLs, with variations for hard surfaces and carpets or rugs.
  
  

Incandescent Bulb Hazards

• Incandescent bulbs contain a number of chemicals considered hazardous, such as tungsten, molybdenum, copper, iron and nickel. According to a General Electric Incandescent Lamp Material Information sheet, these chemicals do not present a hazard "because of their form or relatively low toxicity." Lamps with lead solder pose "little risk of exposure under normal use and handling," but disposing of large quantities of bulbs "may be regulated."
  
  

Fluorescent Bulb Hazards

• Compared to incandescent bulbs, compact fluorescent bulbs are more energy-efficient, longer-lasting and growing in popularity for home light fixtures. As of 2010, all CFLs also contain the neurotoxin mercury. According to the MSNBC story "Shining a Light on Hazards of Fluorescent Bulbs," lamps marketed as "low-mercury" can contaminate 1,000 gallons of water beyond safe drinking levels. Mercury in the bulb is safe, at least in the home. When breaking a large number of lamps for disposal, a bulb manufacturer advises working in a well-ventilated area, with local exhaust ventilation or personal protective equipment used as needed.
  
  

EPA Cleanup Procedures

• When a CFL breaks in the home, the EPA advises turning off any air conditioning or heating system, airing out the room and leaving for at least 15 minutes. Scoop up glass pieces with cardboard or stiff paper and place the pieces in a glass jar with a metal lid for sealing or use a sealed plastic bag. Use sticky tape to remove remaining glass and powder. Wipe the area with damp paper towels or disposable baby wipes. Place towels in the jar or bag. Do not vacuum or sweep up the glass. If the bulb breaks on a carpet or rug and a vacuum must be used, after vacuuming remove the bag or empty and wipe the canister, then put all debris in a sealed plastic bag.