Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!optilink!cramer
From: cramer@optilink.UUCP (Clayton Cramer)
Newsgroups: sci.electronics
Subject: Re: Florescent Problems
Message-ID: <3409@optilink.UUCP>
Date: 13 Apr 90 17:10:09 GMT
References: <29716@amdcad.AMD.COM> <14870@cbnewsc.ATT.COM> <5339@mmsac.UUCP> <3359@altos86.Altos.COM>
Organization: Optilink Corporation, Petaluma, CA
Lines: 27

In article <3359@altos86.Altos.COM>, jerry@altos86.Altos.COM (Jerry Gardner) writes:
> In article <4604@qiclab.UUCP> al@qiclab.UUCP (Al Peterman) writes:
# 
# }Another minor hassle with florescents is the disposal problem.  They
# }are somewhat hazardous to smash to fit in the trash.  I also think they
# }contain rather dangerous substances.  This of cousre is not a problem
# }with the "bulb" replacement size units, but the 4 and 8 foot tubes are
# }awkward.
# 
# Florescents used to contain beryllium, a very poisonous element, but no longer
# do.  The main danger is getting cut on the shards.
# 
# Jerry Gardner, NJ6A					Altos Computer Systems

The main hazard isn't the normal symptoms of toxicity, but that
cuts from a beryllium-containing compound will develop into large
ulcerous, non-healing wounds.

I don't believe beryllium compounds have been used since the 1950s,
but I wouldn't completely discount that there are still a few tubes
sitting around in storage that contain beryllium, and I wouldn't
hold your breath hoping for a doctor to recognize berylliosis.
-- 
Clayton E. Cramer {pyramid,pixar,tekbspa}!optilink!cramer
Politicians prefer unarmed peasants.  Ask the Lithuanians.
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