What if we break one of those bulbs that have mercury in them? What is the proper way of disposal of the bulb?

Just replant them and watch your beautiful mercury flowers bloom in the spring. Oh, you mean those other bulbs!

Well then. Michael Abramson, general manager of Napa Sanitation District, told me about a plethora of resources, including Web sites, brochures and a handy-dandy video showing how mercury vapor comes off of mercury droplets at room temperature.

According to the California Integrated Waste Management Board, fluorescent lamps and tubes are actually banned from the trash, as well as other types of universal waste (or u-waste) including batteries, computer and television monitors, electronic devices, etc. Also banned are mercury-containing items such as electrical switches, thermostats containing mercury, pilot light sensors, etc. The list goes on and on.

Essentially any out-of-the-ordinary sort of trash should not be going into your waste bin because of the harm chemicals can cause to the environment. Equally important: do not dispose of mercury down the drain, for the same reason.

A Michigan Department of Community Health brochure states mercury vapor can cause such health problems as learning and behavioral disorders, kidney damage, seizures and mood changes. This last problem gives a whole new meaning to “She’s got the vapors.” Maybe I’ll claim vapor inhalation next time I find myself in a marital disagreement (unless hubby’s reading this; knowledge is power).

Seriously speaking, mercury spills are dangerous to all people, especially to babies, pregnant mothers and household pets.

If you do find yourself in a messy situation — figuratively and literally speaking — use the utmost caution. If the spill is small, recent, is on a hard surface and/or is something that can be easily disposed of, you may be able to safely dispose of the mercury (keyword: may). Again, it is important that expectant mothers do not attempt to clean up mercury spills because of the dangers posed to them and their babies.

If mercury spills on a soft item, or on a soft surface such as carpet, it must be removed and disposed of. When it comes to hard surfaces, there are different procedures to follow, depending on what type of situation you have on your hands. For purposes of this column, I will keep it specific to the actual question above.

Here is what the MDCH suggests: If a mercury-containing item breaks, put on disposable clothing and rubber gloves, wrap up the glass and all parts in a damp paper towel and close them up in a zippered plastic bag. Push mercury beads together with a card and move them onto a creased piece of stiff paper, tipping them into a zippered plastic bag. Then place the card inside the bag, as well.

For more information on this, you can contact the Napa-Vallejo Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility at 1-800-084-9661. Prevention is key.

Please note that information and suggestions in this column are better suited for small-scale, at-home situations and not larger-scale, industrial-type situations.

What is Glad You Asked?

Glad You Asked attempts to answer readers’ questions. Mind clouded with questions? I’ll help you find the mercury, er, silver lining. Send your query to me at dmontanez@napanews.com or call me at 256-2224.