GE 10186 Fascicule
Normally a 1.5 inch diameter (T12) fluorescent lamp has approximately 1 - 1.25 grams of the phosphor
per foot of lamp. A standard four-foot lamp has about 4 - 5 grams of the phosphor coating its inside
length. The one-inch diameter (T8) lamp would have proportionally less phosphor due to its smaller
size.
Mercury
Mercury is present in small amounts in all fluorescent lamps. The overall fleet average for all GE
fluorescent lamps has been reduced by more than 75% since 1990 due to significant investments in
new manufacturing technology. The amount of mercury present in any given lamp will vary
depending on both the size of the lamp and the design life of the lamp. Smaller, shorter life lamps
generally have lower mercury content.
generally have lower mercury content.
III. Health Concerns
Phosphor
Except for small changes, it is essentially the same phosphor that has been in use in our lamps for
over fifty years. The Industrial Hygiene Foundation of the Mellon Institute found no significant adverse
effects, either by ingestion, inhalation, skin contact, or eye implant, in a five-year animal study of the
original phosphor. Also, there have been no significant adverse effects on humans by any of these
routes during the many years of its manufacture or use. The phosphor is somewhat similar to the
inert mineral apatites (calcium phosphate-fluorides) that occur in nature.
Antimony, manganese, yttrium and tin compounds are characterized by OSHA as hazardous
chemicals, as are most inorganic compounds. However, due to their insolubility, relatively low toxicity
and small amount present in the phosphor and the lamp, these materials do not present a significant
hazard in the event of breakage of the lamp.
Barium and cadmium had also been used as additives to the phosphor in lamps made prior to mid-
1988 but are no longer used in the phosphor in current production. These materials are also
considered hazardous chemicals. In addition, although the evidence is limited and conflicting,
cadmium and certain cadmium compounds have been listed by the International Agency for Research
on Cancer as possible human carcinogens.
Except for small changes, it is essentially the same phosphor that has been in use in our lamps for
over fifty years. The Industrial Hygiene Foundation of the Mellon Institute found no significant adverse
effects, either by ingestion, inhalation, skin contact, or eye implant, in a five-year animal study of the
original phosphor. Also, there have been no significant adverse effects on humans by any of these
routes during the many years of its manufacture or use. The phosphor is somewhat similar to the
inert mineral apatites (calcium phosphate-fluorides) that occur in nature.
Antimony, manganese, yttrium and tin compounds are characterized by OSHA as hazardous
chemicals, as are most inorganic compounds. However, due to their insolubility, relatively low toxicity
and small amount present in the phosphor and the lamp, these materials do not present a significant
hazard in the event of breakage of the lamp.
Barium and cadmium had also been used as additives to the phosphor in lamps made prior to mid-
1988 but are no longer used in the phosphor in current production. These materials are also
considered hazardous chemicals. In addition, although the evidence is limited and conflicting,
cadmium and certain cadmium compounds have been listed by the International Agency for Research
on Cancer as possible human carcinogens.
Mercury
Neither the mercury nor the phosphor concentration in air produced as a result of breaking one or a
small number of fluorescent lamps should result in significant exposures to the individual. However,
when breaking a large number of lamps for disposal, appropriate industrial hygiene monitoring and
controls should be implemented to minimize airborne levels or surface contamination. We
recommend that the work be done in a well-ventilated area, and local exhaust ventilation or personal
protective equipment may be needed.
Neither the mercury nor the phosphor concentration in air produced as a result of breaking one or a
small number of fluorescent lamps should result in significant exposures to the individual. However,
when breaking a large number of lamps for disposal, appropriate industrial hygiene monitoring and
controls should be implemented to minimize airborne levels or surface contamination. We
recommend that the work be done in a well-ventilated area, and local exhaust ventilation or personal
protective equipment may be needed.
IV. Disposal Concerns
TCLP
A Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) conducted on traditional fluorescent lamp designs
for mercury would most likely cause the lamps to be classified as a hazardous waste due to the
mercury content. While small numbers of these lamps placed in ordinary trash may not appreciably
affect the nature or method of disposal of the trash, under most circumstances disposal of large
quantities may be regulated. You should review your waste handling practices to assure that you
dispose of waste lamps properly and contact your state environmental department for any
regulations that may apply. To check state regulations or to locate a recycler, go to
A Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) conducted on traditional fluorescent lamp designs
for mercury would most likely cause the lamps to be classified as a hazardous waste due to the
mercury content. While small numbers of these lamps placed in ordinary trash may not appreciably
affect the nature or method of disposal of the trash, under most circumstances disposal of large
quantities may be regulated. You should review your waste handling practices to assure that you
dispose of waste lamps properly and contact your state environmental department for any
regulations that may apply. To check state regulations or to locate a recycler, go to
. Reduced mercury fluorescent lamps that consistently pass the TCLP test are
available and marketed under the Ecolux trade name. For more information on Ecolux fluorescent
lamps visit
lamps visit
August 2004
Fluorescent Lamps-MSD
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