According to Eartheasy, fluorescent light bulbs can contain around 5 milligrams of elemental mercury. Larger fluorescent bulbs can contain slightly more mercury; smaller fluorescent bulbs can contain slightly less.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) claims that exposure to even trace amounts of elemental mercury can have a negative effect on your health. Mild exposure to elemental mercury can lead to emotional changes like mood swings and nervousness, neuromuscular changes such as muscle atrophy and twitching, and insomnia and headaches.
Extended exposure to high levels of elemental mercury can be fatal. According to the EPA, overexposure to elemental mercury can have detrimental effects on the kidneys. It can also lead to respiratory failure and death. If you believe you have been exposed to any level of elemental mercury, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Fluorescent light bulbs emit certain levels of ultraviolet light. Overexposure to ultraviolet light can lead to health issues. However, according to General Electric, the amount of ultraviolet light produced by fluorescent light bulbs is so small that it will not negatively affect your health.
Fluorescent light bulb consumers should handle broken fluorescent light bulbs appropriately to avoid exposure to elemental mercury. When a fluorescent light bulb breaks, you should evacuate the room and open a window if possible to give the mercury time to dispel. Since mercury is recyclable, you should take broken or used fluorescent bulbs to a proper recycling facility.