Broken CFL bulb (contains mercury) in home with pets: side effects/treatment

[Joanne Maciag]

Having recently read a leaflet on the safe disposition of a broken and/or burnt out CFL bulb, I dwelled on my recent experience with a broken bulb and the clean up and what possible effect it could have had on Mocha.
Mocha, probably within the next day or so, had chewed off ALL the leaves on at least 4 stems of artificial eucalyptus I had in a floor container. Keep in mind the stems had been around for 3 years and never interested her. It took days for her to vomit everything out. Now I'm wondering if her compulsion to eat the stems and regurgitate was as a result of possible "mercury vapor" from the broken bulb. Do you have any information regarding how pets could be affected (side effects), if a CFL bulb breaks in your home? Appreciate any information you may have so a warning can be given to all pet owners. BTW, Mocha if fine
Joan

[Eric Dunayer]

Joanne,

The mercury contained in CFL bulbs is not a problem if it is ingested. Mercury is not well absorbed into the bloodstream from the digestive tract. Mercury can be a problem on the skin or if it is inhaled. However, the amount of mercury in the bulbs is very low and getting lower as the technology improves.

I don't know why your dog suddenly decided to eat the plant -- I hear all the time from people who tell me that a dog or cat suddenly eats something that was in the house for years and never touched before.

[Joanne Maciag]

Thank you...that is the type of answer I was looking for. Perhaps, if there was a slight "vapor in the air" it might have made her queasy and, therefore, the "munching of the stems." As I said she is fine now. I will certainly pass along your response to others. Again, thank you.