Danger of touching a broken fluorescent bulb?

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    Broken Bulb
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The discussion centers on concerns about handling broken fluorescent bulbs and potential mercury exposure. The individual describes a careful disposal process for CFLs at IKEA and expresses anxiety after accidentally brushing against a broken fluorescent bulb. Key points include the uncertainty about the hazardous nature of long fluorescent bulbs compared to CFLs, the presence of mercury in both types, and the potential for mercury to either evaporate or adhere to the glass. The individual worries about possible ingestion due to a nail-biting habit but reassures themselves that any exposure is likely negligible, suggesting that washing hands is a sufficient precaution. The conversation highlights the importance of safe disposal practices and awareness of mercury risks associated with different types of light bulbs.
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I was disposing of some old CFLs at IKEA this morning. They have a few bins there for safe disposals. I am already insanely paranoid of breaking CFLs in the first place, so I took great caution placing mine gently into the bins. I spent a few minutes making the pile secure so they wouldn't fall over or break if someone else just threw some on top with force. I noticed that there was a stack of very long fluorescent bulbs that you would see often in offices stacked lengthwise. One of them had its end broken off.

I'm pretty sure my arm probably at least grazed against the broken end. My index finger is also feeling tingly so I'm paranoid it somehow also cut me. These long fluorescent bulbs are sort of a mystery to me. They don't seem to be considered as hazardous as CFLs, but they still contain mercury no? Is it it a big deal that I've physically contacted the broken end of it? Does the mercury in these evaporate, or stick to the inside/sides of the glass? I also have a habit of biting my nails so I'm extra worried I've ingested whatever I may have touched.
 
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In absolutely worst case amounts of mercury you were in contact with are completely negligible.
 
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Likes Tom.G, dlgoff, CWatters and 1 other person
Wash hands. Job done.
 
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Likes Wrichik Basu
Most likely you would take more mercury from a decent dose of tuna dish.
 
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