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You won't have any immediate bad effects... but you should go see your doctor. There is a safe treatment for heavy metal poisoning that will remove the Mercury from your body (and any extra lead, cadmium, and other heavy metals) called chelation. In the old days (1950s) we played with mercury in science classes. Now days we know that was sort of stupid, since we should try to avoid all sorts of toxins like that.

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14y ago
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8y ago

You should never inhale the gases from a fluorescent tube. They're filled with special gases, not air, and they also contain mercury which is highly toxic.

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10y ago

No, however if a lightbulb does break leave the area for 10 to 15 minutes then clean up the broken glass

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Q: What happens when you breathe in mercury from fluorescent light bulbs?
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Is mercury used for the filament in light bulbs?

No, not in the filament. You are probably thinking of compact fluorescent light bulbs, which do contain mercury.


Do incandescent light bulbs have more mercury in them than fluorescent?

I would say no. My reasoning is that if incandescent bulbs have as much or more mercury than fluorescent bulbs, the fluorescent industry would be debunking all the reports of a mercury problem.Incandescent lights do not need or use mercury to operate, so there is none in them.Fluorescent lights cannot be made at all without mercury, as it is the glow of mercury ions that produces the UV light inside the fluorescent bulb to excite the phosphor coating to make visible light.


Why is mercury in fluorescent bulbs?

Mercury is used in fluorescent bulbs as it helps produce ultraviolet light when electricity passes through the bulb. This UV light excites phosphor coating inside the bulb, which then emits visible light. While the amount of mercury used in fluorescent bulbs is small, it is essential for their function and energy efficiency.


Is it dangerous to break fluorescent light bulbs on your back if you drain the mercury?

Yes, and not just because of the glass it is made of. The bulbs have mercury inside of them which can make you ill.


Do energy saver light bulbs contain mercury?

Yes, all fluorescent lights, including the compact fluorescents contain some amount of mercury. It is a necessary component to make the bulb work and is the reason fluorescent bulbs should not be broken for disposal, but should be sent through a disposal path that bring them to a responsible recycling and disposal organization. Compact fluorescent bulbs, also called energy saver light bulbs, have more mercury than the conventional long fluorescent bulbs, which have been developed in recent years to use less mercury than used to be the case.


How many atoms of mercury are in a light bulb?

Compact fluorescent light bulbs contain mercury. (For that reason, it is important to be very careful with a broken compact fluorescent bulb, because mercury is highly toxic.) Most other kinds of light bulbs do not contain any significant amount of mercury.


What element is found in fluorescent light bulbs?

Mercury is the element found in fluorescent light bulbs. It is used in small amounts to help produce ultraviolet light, which then excites the phosphor coating inside the bulb to produce visible light.


Is the gas in fluorescent bulb poison?

The gas in fluorescent bulbs is typically a mixture of argon and a small amount of mercury vapor. While mercury is toxic if released into the environment, the amount in a fluorescent bulb is very small and not harmful unless the bulb is broken and the mercury is released. It is important to handle and dispose of fluorescent bulbs properly to prevent any potential harm.


Which nonmetal is used in fluorescent bulbs in display advertisements?

The nonmetal used in fluorescent bulbs for display advertisements is mercury. Mercury vapor inside the bulb emits ultraviolet light when electricity is passed through it, which then interacts with the phosphor coating inside the bulb to produce visible light.


What substaince is in fluorescent bulbs?

I think the answer you are looking for is mercury. In the 1800s the hat makers used mercury in their work. I am sure you have heard the term "mad as a hatter". So the government has tried to omit mercury from our lives for years. Now in the interest of energy efficiency, they are going to require us all to use fluorescent bulbs full of mercury. BE CAREFUL NOT TO BREAK THEM....


How do fluorescent bulbs glow?

Fluorescent bulbs contain mercury vapor that emits ultraviolet light when electricity excites it. The ultraviolet light then hits a phosphor coating inside the bulb, causing it to glow and produce visible light.


Why are fluorescent lamps classified as hazardous waste?

Fluorescent lamps or light bulbs contain various amounts of mercury in them. When they are thrown away they are eventually broken and the mercury can leak out. That makes them hazardous to people, animals, and the environment.