I would say return it if the lamp was advertised to be in New condition. Otherwise, mend and repair as needed, but ask for a discount for the defect / damage. My opinion anyway.

Congrats on your new (to you  ) Lifeguard!

I have not been on here much lately but I am still here!  I have a MASSIVE collection and it still keeps growing!
There are several members that are coming to my farm this coming Saturday December 6 for a “swap meet” and to just play with lights.  Kev from UK will be here, as well as a few local/regional collectors in USA.  Y’all please feel free to come.  Text me at (706) 318-8000 for info and address.

Hello everyone. I'm very excited to announce here that I bought today my first, clear mercury vapor lamp, this is a very special lamp as it's an USA made Philips Lifeguard 175W Lamp, made in September 8th, 1986. But oh boy what a surprise it was, when I got home, opened the box [sleeve] and examined the lamp more carefully, and I noticed the beautiful red glass insulator was smashed-looking and had some pieces broken and inside the socket compartment of the lamp; through those holes you can look inside the lamp. I really don't wanna return this lamp as these lamps are very rare in Mexico, and if I were to repair it, I don't wanna diminish its resale value if I were to sell it again way into the future, as these are very special lamps indeed. I highly doubt this lamp is brand new as the arctube looks quite used as you can see from the picture, so I don't have the knowledge whether I bought the lamp and was already like that, or if the insulator got kinda broken on the way home. I was recommended to apply resin on this lamp to repair it. I did hear a little rattling when I got it in a plastic bag, but supposed it was the structural supports rattling inside the bulb. So, what do y'all suggest I do? Also, I doubt any UV will get through, as the broken off parts will be covered by the socket when it's on. I will gladly wait and hear back from what y'all have to say about this.

Oh yes it looks like it

 No . Asbestos has been around for a LOOOOONG time !

Would these predate asbestos though?

Yep !  And as I mentioned earlier , Probably full of asbestos also

 GE Novalux ??

Ah okay, good to know!

Why hazardous waste? Lead paint?