What to do with spent fluorescent lamps: the damage improper disposal

click fraud protection

Disposal of fluorescent lamps should become a mandatory procedure for every person and every organization. Since they will be safe only as long as the design preserves the integrity.

The reason for this is the presence in their flasks of mercury vapor, capable even with brief contact to cause serious and sometimes irreparable, damage to human health, water, and soil.

In this article we will explain why we need recycling fluorescent lamps, where to put the waste appliances and how is their disposal.

The content of the article:

  • Why recycling is necessary?
  • Users contribute to the recycling process
  • And if the collection point far?
  • Utilization of damaged lamp
    • Safety measures when the product is damaged
    • How does recycling specialists?
  • Conclusions and useful videos on the topic

Why recycling is necessary?

The design of each luminescent lighting unit contains up to 7 milligrams of mercury. At first glance, this is not enough. For example, in any thermometer such a substance in ten times more.

But the peculiarity is that only a few grams of mercury vapor are 16 times larger contact patch with the surrounding air than a few kilos of the same liquid metal.

instagram viewer

As a result, the contents of the flask fills with poison to 50 cubic meters of space and the admissible norm is exceeded 160 times.

Fluorescent lamps

All fluorescent lamps contain mercury, which is under the influence of electricity ensures efficient lighting. But when they have fulfilled the resource, the people meet the challenge of recycling. Which is compounded by the fact that not long ago such products were sold to hundreds of millions

Therefore, in case of depressurization of the fluorescent lamp of any manufacturer in the room creates a situation relating to the dangers of the first group.

That is the highest since even a short exposure is able to cause serious damage cardiovascular, immune, nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, eyes, skin cover.

In addition, mercury can quickly accumulate in the human body, with the result that its impact will be long-lasting. No less dangerous are the fluorescent tubes, discarded in general waste bins at apartment buildings or in the private sector.

In this case, the mercury vapor is active against microorganisms, as a result, they become easy soluble and very stable compound (methylmercury) that can poison the acres of water, soil for decades.

broken thermometer

Most people understand what kind of trouble has damaged mercury-containing thermometer. A depressurization lamp capable of causing damage to the health of a much larger size, and this is caused by the need for recycling

The problem is compounded by the fact that until recently the former Soviet territory sold hundreds of millions of fluorescent lamps each year. Are now beginning to develop their resources.

Users contribute to the recycling process

Theoretically, this operation is no difficulty is not fraught. So, everything you need to man - is to perform in a certain order a few simple steps.

Which are as follows:

  1. Fused fluorescent lamp should be packed in a plastic bag holistic. That will prevent mercury poisoning in the case of sudden depressurization during the disposal procedure.
  2. To carry the device at the point of collection.

It should be remembered that the dismantling, transportation and storage of spent its lighting unit can not be treated carelessly. For example, placing it in a trash bag or a conventional leaving elsewhere where accidental damage can be applied.

After performing all the above as the owner will be deemed terminated. But in practice all the more difficult, the reason for this lack of absorption capacity, intended for the collection of fluorescent lamps.

A container for mercury-containing lamps

recycling procedure is lengthy and labor-intensive. But the main and only objective of the owner served fluorescent lamps - to pass them to a collection point. Why do we need to find a container similar to that shown in the photo

According to the guidance documents of almost all countries in the post-collection unsuitable lighting containing mercury should be dealt with management of apartment buildings. They are tenants associations, management companies, as well as such duties imputed ZhEKam, RG.

For example, in Moscow everything Housing and operational offices are equipped with the necessary equipment to collect and serve them trained professionals.

But most managers Zhekova countries, for various reasons, ignoring such demands, so the items in a number of regions of sufficient rarity. But they are, at least in all major cities.

And to find the nearest enough:

  • use the Internet;
  • call back to the control organization, GEC, MOE.

Often officials help out business organizations and a collection point for all kinds of mercury-containing lamps are in the stores of retail chains, and sometimes even at locations receiving batteries. For example, in Russia there are many IKEA stores.

In addition, concerned citizens are writing to urge Zhekova guide to perform the duties. The more equipment items - the procedure is simple. Since all you need to do - is to install a small puncture-proof container.

Container Lamp

If a specially equipped container near there, the citizens have the right to appeal in writing to the GEC, a management company with a request to get them. Especially as the collection is allowed to use all kinds of containers that can prevent depressurization of mercury-containing bulbs

A reception staff can carry out electrical Zhekova, management companies, which subsequently transfer devices, spent his own, for recycling, that the residents comfortable.

In addition, such a procedure is not difficult to arrange, as special skills, the presence of any special tool is required.

I am sure it is worth remembering that at the collection points only sealed products responsible persons lamps are made, that is whole, with no signs of damage.

As it is not necessary disrepair of transport or attempt to take on the disposal. Since it can be dangerous to health. Because of these features, when there was a depressurization of the lamp in the room, it is better to call representatives of the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

And also need to have information about all products that are not worked the warranty period, you can return the organization-seller. In such cases, even provided for the possibility of a refund or replacement exercise.

The duration of the warranty period can be up to 2 years, accurate information sometimes will learn by examining the data indicated on the packaging.

And if the collection point far?

It often happens that the fluorescent lamp has developed a laid resource, so it needs to be disposed of, but the point of collection is not a short and unprofitable to go there, but the desire to just throw no.

collection of lamps

In many cases, the collection of mercury-containing instruments are engaged full-time electricians management companies Zhekov. And transportation to processing sites by specialized companies that provide services on a contract basis

In this situation, a person can simply pack a flask in a plastic bag and put it in a sturdy container.

Which may be any rigid container that can prevent depressurization of the fixture due to careless handling. Next, it is necessary to put in place, which will not reach up to children, animals.

In this way the lamp storage can be performed over a long period, but, nevertheless, it should not exceed six months. A specified amount of time will be enough to find a convenient way to deliver the lamp at the point of collection.

Improper disposal

Owning blown mercury-containing lamps should be remembered that in this way, as shown in the photo, to solve the problem is not worth it. And it is not even possible sanctions, and that the mercury that gets into the soil, able to influence its condition, the water for decades

In addition, there are commercial organizations involved in recycling of mercury-containing products in many major cities. Specialists who perform the collection, and they come to the right place on a call. But in most cases, for this service have to pay.

As a result, it can be advantageous only to large enterprises, who have to solve the problem with dozens, hundreds of blown bulbs.

Utilization of damaged lamp

No one can protect yourself from any untoward accidents. Therefore it is always necessary to remember that to get rid of the burned unit, and sometimes it is necessary urgently to this need to be prepared. After all depends on the speed - whether caused damage to health or the environment.

Safety measures when the product is damaged

So, if the illuminating any room Fluorescent Lamp was defeated, was damaged, then the person in order to avoid poisoning, it is necessary to take prompt action.

Which include:

  • evacuation of people and animals;
  • ventilation of the room;
  • cleaning the bulb residues;
  • call representatives of the MOE.

It should be remembered that the evacuation is to be performed immediately after the detection of lesions of the fluorescent lamp. At the same time somewhere it is not necessary to run at breakneck speed, enough to pass into the next room.

forbidden recycling

If the representatives of some companies decide to perform a "disposal" as shown in the photo, it will be a criminal case. The reason is that it can do more than substantial harm to living near humans

The room itself, which is depressurized lamp, must be isolated, that is tightly closed doors. If they do not, then you should use a cloth, the other improvised material. And only after that to open windows for ventilation performance.

The procedure should be exactly in the order described from the fact that the ventilation wind blowing the whole apartment there is a high probability that significant accumulation of mercury vapor will spread it throughout the area, and some of them accumulate in "dead zones" and can affect health tenants.

Isolation facilities will also help prevent the spread of glass breakage to save up for their substance in the other rooms.

Disposal of lamps

Procedure utilization, and different processing, mercury-containing lamps may conduct only licensed organizations with specialized equipment and trained technicians

The duration of ventilation should be no less than 20-30 minutes. During this time the bulk of the mercury vapor will evaporate, and people will be able to perform cleaning. What airways must be protected cotton-gauze bandage or a damp cloth.

To work, you can use two pieces of cardboard. One of them will serve man scoop and the other to use as a broom, sweeping them remnants of broken construction elements.

Bare hands to help itself is not necessary, since the mercury particles can easily penetrate through the skin pores. That for a few minutes can lead to serious poisoning.

If parts of a broken light fixture fell on the carpet, soft toys, they should hang out for a thorough airing. The duration of which should be a few hours.

Then all these things can be used at home without any further processing. Since they will be completely safe after weathering of mercury vapor.

Installation for recycling

Recycling of mercury-containing lighting devices is performed using special installations - demerkurizatorov or vacuum traps. In either case, all of the mercury is collected and in the liquid state is sent to production for new uses

The collected glass cullet throw anywhere is not necessary, it is better to pack in plastic, sealable container, any other capacity. Further remains of fluorescent lamps should be handed over to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, which is mandatory to call.

Even if the owners of the premises to successfully cope with the elimination of the consequences of their own, the presence of rescue is necessary for them to check the suitability of housing, any other type of location people there.

And if necessary, the surface in contact with the mercury can be treated with special solutions, which finally eliminate health hazards.

All of these actions after the depressurization of any fluorescent tube should be made mandatory, and residents should not reassure the absence of any signs of danger.

Since mercury vapor have no color or smell, which means that their presence will not be able to detect without special equipment. Although short-term concentration of substances in the room where the lamp is broken, will exceed the allowed rate of tens, or even in a hundred and fifty times.

How does recycling specialists?

Delivery of fluorescent lamps to collection point is only the first stage of processing. Since this is a fairly long and complicated operation that can be performed only with special equipment.

Set for demercurisation

If the citizens that use mercury-containing lamps, acquire kits of household demercurisation, it will be the right decision. Since they are no losses to health and quickly help resolve the effects of depressurization of the bulb in the room. Especially the cost reasonable

The next step is cutting utilization of lighting, which is done through the installation called demerkurizator. Where they split into smaller elements in order to free all mercury particles.

Which then bind the sorbent and fall into a condenser, where they are deposited, transformed into molten metal. The final step is to send it to the company for further use.

Another type of processing used allows freeze pair in the vacuum chamber. That also makes it possible to receive the liquid metal, exactly as used in thermometers. Further it can be used in industry.

In addition, an important task for recycling is the separation of a few grams of phosphor - a number contained in the composition of each of fluorescent lamps. Though he is less harmful than mercury, but still represents a hazard. Therefore, subject to obligatory disposal.

Gloves to collect the broken glass

If it so happened that the mercury-containing lamp is broken, it is first necessary to evacuate people from the premises, and then carry out airing. The final step will be cleaning broken glass, it is necessary to perform in rubber gloves and use a cotton-gauze bandage, respirator

But even waste lamps represent some danger to humans. And for leveling this factor, phosphor and other parts during transportation to the places processing packaged in a sealed container, sprinkled with cement that is capable of binding residues mercury vapor.

Our site contains material on the topic: what is needed and how the replacement of fluorescent lamps to LED. Recommended Reading and. Learn more - read Further.

Conclusions and useful videos on the topic

Movie about what harmful mercury-containing lamps and how to properly dispose of them when the resource will be developed:

The following footage shows how a sealed tube processing occurs in harmful vapors to health:

Procedure for disposal of the ordinary citizens and organizations is to transfer the fused fluorescent lamps equipped with collection points. It is not always convenient, and businesses in general, have to pay, but it is necessary to do. Since non-compliance leads to a substantial negative impact on the environment, and hence on human health.

If you have any questions about the article topic, leave, please comment in the box located below. There you can share the experience and give practical advice to our visitors.

How to connect to the chandelier dvuhklavishnomu switch: texte

How to connect to the chandelier dvuhklavishnomu switch: texteLamps And Light Bulbs

Even the most original lighting unit needs a power supply. To make the best use of energy and to realize interesting lighting ideas often use the switch on the 2 or 3 buttons.To implement such a so...

Read More
How to choose the best halogen lamps: device manufacturers varieties +

How to choose the best halogen lamps: device manufacturers varieties +Lamps And Light Bulbs

Among the most popular light sources are widely used for indoor and outdoor lighting, can be considered a halogen lamp. They consume more energy than fluorescent and LED, but in performance superio...

Read More
How to choose a starter for fluorescent lamps: how it works, the device labeling

How to choose a starter for fluorescent lamps: how it works, the device labelingLamps And Light Bulbs

A starter for fluorescent lamps is included in packaging electromagnetic puskoregulyatora (EMPRA) and is intended for ignition of a mercury lamp.Each model released certain developer has different ...

Read More
Instagram story viewer