Risks of a broken bulb

Scientists at the Health Protection Agency have reviewed the potential health effects of mercury exposure from broken compact fluorescent light bulbs. They found the exposure is likely to be very small - and much lower than from other broken mercury-containing products such as some types of thermometer and barometers.

Professor Virginia Murray, Consultant Medical Toxicologist, said: "Compact fluorescent light bulbs contain a tiny amount of mercury - roughly enough to cover the tip of a ball point pen.  A small proportion of this could be released into a room if the bulb is broken, but this does not pose a health risk to anyone immediately exposed.

"As a precautionary measure, the Health Protection Agency advise that the room should be ventilated and the bulb cleaned up and disposed of properly."