According to eartheasy.com, the average fluorescent tube contains about 5 mg of mercury. The Environmental Protection Agency states that mild exposure to this type of mercury could result in symptoms such as mood swings, muscle atrophy and nervousness. Overexposure can result in kidney failure and death.
Cleaning up broken fluorescent tubes should be left to adults because of the risk of mercury exposure. If a fluorescent tube breaks, the room should be evacuated for at least 15 minutes to give the mercury gas time to dissipate. Opening a window will help air out the room more quickly.
The type of mercury in fluorescent tubes can be recycled. If a tube burns out, it should be taken to a facility with the capability of properly recycling the tube. If a tube breaks, the glass shards can be picked up with a damp cloth. Shards should be placed in a jar with a secure lid and then taken to a recycling facility. Broken fluorescent tubes should never find their way into landfills because of the risk of mercury seeping into the soil.