The Environmental Protection Agency claims that even mild elemental mercury exposure can lead to health problems. Emotional changes, irritability, nervousness and excessive shyness are common side effects linked with mild exposure to the mercury found in CFL bulbs. Nerve response changes, headaches, weakness, twitching, muscle atrophy and other neuromuscular changes can occur from even limited exposure to the mercury in CFLs. People who have experienced even mild exposure to mercury should seek medical attention.
The EPA warns that excessive exposure to the mercury used in CFL bulbs can be fatal. High levels of mercury exposure can compromise a person's cognitive function and lead to kidney or respiratory failure. A person can die from overexposure to the type of mercury used in CFL bulbs. Even if no immediate side effects are experienced, people who have been exposed to elemental mercury should seek immediate medical attention.
A broken CFL will leak its mercury gas into the immediate environment. When this type of bulb breaks, the consumer should activate an exhaust fan or open a window, which allows the gas to dissipate. Everyone in the immediate environment where a CFL has broken should vacate the area for about 15 minutes.
The mercury used in CFL bulbs is recyclable. Broken CFLs can be taken to recycling facilities, and many larger home improvement stores have the capacity to receive and recycle CFL bulbs. Broken CFL bulb glass can be gathered with a damp cloth, sealed in a jar or bag and taken to a recycling facility.
Along with visible light, CFL bulbs produce ultraviolet light. Exposure to certain levels of ultraviolet light can negatively affect a person's health. General Electric claims that regular exposure to the amount of ultraviolet light emitted by the average CFL bulb will not negatively affect a person's health in any way.