Identifying Lamps that Contain Mercury

"Mercury Use in Lighting" [PDF] is a Fact Sheet prepared by IMERC that summarizes the use of mercury in lighting devices, such as fluorescent lamps, automobile headlights, and neon signs. The Fact Sheet covers all the types of lamps that contain mercury in the individual device; the total amount of mercury in all of the devices that were sold as new in the U.S. in 2001 and 2004; mercury lamp recycling/disposal; and non-mercury alternatives.

The following types of lamps contain mercury.

Straight Fluorescent Bulbs (such as T8s and T12s) and Black Lights

U-Style and Circular Fluorescent Bulbs

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)

CFLs are commonly used in homes as energy saving lighting.

High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lamps
There are three types of HID lamps:

• Mercury Vapor Lamps
  
• High Pressure Sodium Lamps
  
• Metal Halide Lamps
  

Ultraviolet Lamps
   
UV lamps are frequently used for germicidal purposes, such as in water and air purifying. They are also used in tanning salons.

Neon lamps