What’s in these projector bulbs?
Most projector bulbs (lamps) contain highly pressurized chemicals that ignite to create a very bright, energy efficient light output. One of the chemicals used to manufacture projector bulbs is Mercury, which is an extremely toxic heavy metal .
Dangers of Mercury:
l Corrosive
l Causes burns to skin, eyes and respiratory tract
l Fatal if swallowed or inhaled
l Harmful if absorbed through skin
l Affects the kidneys and central nervous system
l Harmful to aquatic life
l Bio-accumulates- not biodegradable
l We should be responsible consumers!
The use of toxic materials in household items is decreasing. Remember : old thermometers contained Mercury, but newer thermometers now contain another substance (usually a red tinted alcohol) that is safer.
However, when toxic chemicals are used, as is the case with these projector bulbs, we must dispose of them properly to prevent environmental contamination.