According to researchers, mercury which leaks out of energy-saving light bulbs which are broken when disposed or thrown away can pose a serious health risk.
Two new reports have been released regarding the energy-saving light bulbs.
The first report put out by the state of Maine stated that the risk of mercury exposure outweighed any benefits to home owners.
The Vermont-based Mercury Policy Project also supported the research of the Maine study.
Charity Carbine of the Vermont Public Interest Research Group stated that “When the bulbs are broken that mercury vapor can be released into a home and it’s obviously never a good idea to be exposed to mercury in your home. That is the primary concern.”
It is important, according to reports, to keep them away from areas where they can be broken by kids.
When cleaning them up, people are being told not to vacuum the glass, but instead to wear disposable gloves and sticky tape.