MSDS

Mercury
Mercury is present in small amounts in all fluorescent lamps. The amount of mercury present
(typically 5 mg or less) in any given compact fluorescent lamp will vary depending on the lamp type.
The amount is lower than that from several years ago, and GE is currently working to further lower the
amounts of mercury used in its fluorescent lamp products.
Electronic Ballast for Self-Ballasted Compact Fluorescent Lamp
The electronic ballast is built into the lamp housing. The ballast consists of parts that are essentially
similar, but not identical, to those used throughout the electronics industry for other common
consumer articles.
Plastic Material
The plastic housing is typically made of PBT (Polybutylene-terephthalate) or PET (Polyethylene-
terephthalate) fire retarded plastic with a bromine-containing polymer and antimony oxide. The plastic
housing is glass fiber filled. This product consists primarily of high molecular weight polymers that are
not hazardous.
III. Health Concerns
Phosphor
Except for small changes, it is essentially the same phosphor that has been in use in our lamps for
over twenty 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 reported in humans by
any of these routes during the many years of its manufacture and 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 metals. 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.
Mercury
Neither the mercury nor the phosphor concentration in air produced as a result of breaking one or a
small number of compact fluorescent lamps should result in significant exposures to the individual.
Where a large quantity of lamps is intentionally broken, for example, in a drum-top crusher, work
should be done in a well-ventilated area, and local exhaust ventilation or personal protective
equipment may be needed. Also, appropriate industrial hygiene monitoring and controls should be
implemented to minimize airborne levels or surface contamination. GE recommends lamp recycling
when large quantity lamp disposal is required. See: www.lamprecycle.org
for a list of lamp recyclers.
UV
The Ultraviolet energy emitted by compact fluorescent lamps complies with the Photobiological safety
requirements in IESNA RP-27.1 & IESNA RP27.3. (CFL lamps also comply with CIE S009: 2002.)
September 2007 Compact Fluorescent Lamps-LMIS 2