SDS

Compact Fluorescent Safety Specifications
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Mercury
– Small amounts of mercury is used in all fluorescent lamps, generally around
0.025% by weight. Maxlite continues to reduce the amounts of mercury used in
fluorescent lamps.
Phosphor
– phosphate mix using manganese, rare earth elements such as lanthanum,
and yttrium as either an oxide or as a phosphate, along with a barium/aluminum oxide all
are tightly bound in the phosphor matrix. These phosphors produce better lamp efficiency
and color rendition. The phosphor components may vary slightly depending on the color of
the lamp. Some lamps may contain a thin coating of tin oxide inside the glass.
III. HEALTHY CONCERNS
THERE ARE NO KNOWN HEATH HAZARDS FROM EXPOSURE TO LAMPS THAT
INTACT.
No adverse effects are expected from occasional exposure to broken lamps. As a
matter of good practice,
avoid prolonged or frequent exposure to broken lamps unless there is adequate
ventilation. The major hazard form broken lamps is the possibility of sustaining glass
cuts. Mercury
– The mercury in the air as a result of breaking one or a small number of
fluorescent lamps should not result in significant exposures to an 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 a well-ventilated area, and local exhaust ventilation or
personal protective equipment.
Glass – Glass dust is considered to be physiologically inert and as such has an OSHA
exposure limit of 15-mg/cubic meter for total dust and 5-mg/cubic meter for respirable dust.
Perform normal first aid procedures. Seek medical attention as required.
Phosphor
– There have been no significant adverse effects on humans by ingestion,
inhalation, skin contact, or eye contact. Antimony, manganese, yttrium and tin compounds
are characterized by OSHA as hazardous chemicals, however, due to their insolubility,
relatively low toxicity and small amount present in the phosphor and lamp, these materials
do not present a significant hazard in the event of breakage of the lamp.
Tin:
Contact, ingestion or inhalation may cause one or more of the following symptoms:
eye irritation, skin irritation, and respiratory system irritation.