When a fluorescent tube loses vacuum, does it release mercury? « on: April 04, 2022, 04:21:31 AM » Author: WorldwideHIDCollectorUSA
After knowing that some fluorescent tubes lose vacuum when they go EOL, I wonder if they release any mercury vapor and any buffer gases like argon into the surrounding environment just like they would if they get broken.
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	Re: When a fluorescent tube loses vacuum, does it release mercury? « Reply #1 on: April 04, 2022, 05:39:12 AM » Author: AngryHorse
I would say so?, if air has got in somewhere then the contents of the tube can get out the same way, although I wouldn’t say it’s in any high amount to be dangerous? I had an 11 watt CFL in my pocket a couple of weeks ago, and knelt down to pick something up, breaking the tube in my pocket in the process! Didn’t get any adverse effects from it though
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	Re: When a fluorescent tube loses vacuum, does it release mercury? « Reply #3 on: April 04, 2022, 08:08:48 AM » Author: Rommie
The amount in a single lamp isn't really worth worrying about. If you smash a pallet-load of lamps then yes, but one tube or CFL isn't going to kill you.
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	Re: When a fluorescent tube loses vacuum, does it release mercury? « Reply #4 on: April 04, 2022, 08:29:01 AM » Author: dor123
The pressure in the lamp is very low, so when the lamp losing vacuum, nothing escape, but air leaks in instead.
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	Re: When a fluorescent tube loses vacuum, does it release mercury? « Reply #5 on: April 04, 2022, 02:29:10 PM » Author: AngryHorse
Quote from: Rommie on April 04, 2022, 08:08:48 AM The amount in a single lamp isn't really worth worrying about. If you smash a pallet-load of lamps then yes, but one tube or CFL isn't going to kill you. I was more concerned about the lamp than my own health!  , I was gutted I’d broke a GE Biax, something I now consider as ‘rare’!
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Current: UK 230V, 50Hz
Power provider: e.on energy
Street lighting in our town: Philips UniStreet LED (gen 1)
Longest serving LED in service at home, (hour count): Energetic mini clear globe: 54,050 hrs @ 10/2/24

Welcome to OBLIVION

	Re: When a fluorescent tube loses vacuum, does it release mercury? « Reply #6 on: May 13, 2022, 03:00:19 AM » Author: bulb_tester2009
But the amalgam capsule inside the lamp, once broken, can create dangerous metal leaks
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	Re: When a fluorescent tube loses vacuum, does it release mercury? « Reply #7 on: May 13, 2022, 03:22:36 AM » Author: Medved
The amalgam pellet would have to be leached by some water or so. Otherwise the amalgams generally tend to attract the mercury back, so I would not be affraid that much
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