According to a recent study conducted at the University of Minnesota's School of Public Health, most containers used for storage and transportation of used fluorescent lamps to recycling centers do not sufficiently prevent the release of mercury vapor from broken lamps.(1) The results show that a double-box design with a foil-plastic laminate bag with a zip closure bag positioned between the two cardboard layers minimized airborne mercury vapor levels below all current federal and state workplace exposure regulations and guidelines.
Researchers concluded that each of the three layers performs a specific function. The inner cardboard layer prevents the broken glass from puncturing the bag, which contains the vapor. The outer box serves as a protective layer for all contents and also provides structure to the configuration. Packages must contain all three of the layers described above to effectively contain harmful mercury vapor emissions.
REFERENCE
1. Glenz, Tracy T., Lisa M. Brosseau and Richard W. Hoffbeck. “Preventing Mercury Vapor Release from Broken Fluorescent Lamps during Shipping.” Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 59 (2009), 266-72.
Brad Buscher
Chairman and CEO
VaporLok Products LLC
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