OK, so I have fallen off the "blog-wagon"...it's a new year and I'm getting back on. Plus, I've got something to write about...always a plus!
Last year I made major changes, not only in my life but also around our home. One change was our switch to compact fluorescent lighting (CFL's) which are high-efficiency bulbs that use up to 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs and last up to 10 times longer, according to the EPA.
Did you know that one of these high-efficiency, great bulbs not only reduces global warming...but can also cause some serious risks if one breaks in your home? So...what are the real chances of having one break in your home? Ask a hockey mom...
Yes, I put them in the basement where I was constantly changing light bulbs. I DID NOT put them where my son plays hockey and shoots his pucks into the regulation-sized net he has down there...but never considered that he would feel the need to stand the "regulation distance" from the blue-line to try and take a slapshot in my basement, right where one of these CFL lightbulbs just happened to be.
Yes, he raised his stick high enough to hit the light bulb and break it into bits and pieces! Immediately, he came upstairs, which is good, and told me what had happened. He felt terrible...I was more worried that he left the basement and got away from the mercury. I didn't remember how to dispose of these lightbulbs but remembered that there was mercury in them. I proceeded to get the broom and try to clean it up. Only after an argument ensued with my husband over how it happened, why it happened (why were we even arguing...loudly discussing...not sure!), I went up and googled how to properly clean up one of these messes. I learned I did the first thing you are NOT supposed to do...use a broom.
So...for anyone who might run into this problem...here is the proper way to clean up one of these messes:
1. Open a window and leave the room for at least 15 minutes (not me...I stayed for at least 20 sweeping!) This will allow the mercury vapor to dissipate and reduce the risk of inhaling dangerous fumes. Uh oh!
2. Using a stiff piece of paper and wearing disposable rubber gloves, scoop up the glass fragments and place them in a sealed plastic bag. Wipe the area clean with paper towels or disposable wet wipes and put them in the plastic bag. Do not use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces. (YIKES...)
3. Place all cleanup materials in a second sealed plastic bag and take it to a recycling center or place it in an outdoor trash can. Wash your hands thoroughly after disposing of the bag.
4. If the bulb breaks on a rug or carpet, use the same method mentioned above to scoop up the glass fragments. Use sticky tape to pick up the smaller pieces and powder. (yeah, my husband thought this was ridiculous)
5. If vacuuming is still required, wait several hours and then sweep the area, Immediately remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister), then place the bag and cleanup materials into two sealed plastic bags.
(for more information visit http://www.energystar.gov/)
So...my husband asked me where the rest of these CFL light bulbs were so he could take them all out...I laughed and told him he had his work cut out for him. It was so much hazardous materials work to clean this up...I doubt he wants to go through it again. First, we have to go buy new lightbulbs that burn out in a few hours...
I suppose I should be glad that my son didn't hit the tv, wii or other entertainment system stuff since that is where his imaginary "blue line" was...where his slapshot needed to happen. Oh the life of a hockey mom...
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