MSDS

Linear Fluorescent Lamps - Page 2 of 2
Mercury
Small quantities of mercury are present in any fluorescent lamp. The amount of mercury used
currently in any particular lamp will fluctuate depending on both the dimensions of the lamp and
the designed life of the lamp. Smaller, shorter life lamps generally have lower mercury content.
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SECTION 3: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Not Applicable to Intact lamp.
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SECTION 4: FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS
Not applicable. Under extreme high temperatures, the glass might crack
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SECTION 5: REACTIVITY DATA
Stability: Stable
Incompatibility: None for intact lamp
Hazardous Polymerization: Not applicable
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SECTION 6: HEALTH HAZARDS
EXPOSURE TO INTACT LAMPS DOES NOT POSE ANY KNOWN HEALTH HAZARDS
Glass
Take normal care with broken glass.
Phosphor
As with most inorganic compounds, antimony, manganese, yttrium, and tin are characterized by
OSHA as hazardous chemicals. However, they have low toxicity, are insoluble, and are present in
very small amounts in the lamp; therefore these compounds are not a significant hazard in the
event that the lamp breaks.
Mercury
If a small number of lamps are broken, the mercury and/or phosphor concentration in the air
should not cause significant exposure to people nearby. If large numbers of lamps are broken,
clean-up personnel should use appropriate industrial hygiene monitoring and controls to minimize
airborne or surface contamination levels. Personal protective equipment may be needed.
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SECTION 7: DISPOSAL CONCERNS
Take normal precautions for broken glass. Avoid generating dust; personal protective equipment
may be needed. Avoid generating dust; personal protective equipment may be needed.
Contains mercury. A Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) test was done on these
lamps, and they passed the test, being below the limit of 0.200 milligrams of mercury per liter of
leachate. Manage in accord with disposal laws. See: www.lamprecycle.org