Available Research

Major University Validates Mercury VaporLok® Benefits

A recent study conducted by the University of Minnesota's School of Public Health suggests that most containers used for storage and transportation of used fluorescent lamps to recycling centers do not adequately protect against mercury vapors emitted from broken lamps. The study, published in the March 2009 issue of the Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, found that of the five package designs tested, only one minimized exposure levels below ALL acceptable Federal and State regulations and guidelines. VaporLok Products supplied the patented package design that includes Mercury VaporLok® vapor-resistant bags.

Additionally, the successful design was the only one tested that also met the more stringent California OSHA requirements by nearly 10 times. This packaging configuration lowered mercury vapor concentrations by 99.7 percent compared to a single layer cardboard box design that was also tested. Mercury VaporLok® bags are used to store, ship and recycle other mercury-containing products including batteries, devices and dental wastes.

• Read the Study Abstract.
• Read the VaporLok Press Release.
• Request a free copy of the complete study.

Additional Resources

• Dr. Brosseau's presentation to the ACCHM conference, Minneapolis, MN September 8, 2008
• "Maine Compact Fluorescent Lamp Study" by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, February 2008
• "Shedding Light on Mercury Risks from CFL Breakage" by the Mercury Policy Project, February 2008
• "Release of Mercury from Broken Fluorescent Bulbs" by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, February 2004
• Conservation Projects
• Risk Assessment
• Efficient Lighting
• VIDEO: How Mercury Causes Brain Neuron Degeneration
• EPA CFL Cleanup Procedures
• GreenFacts Mercury in Compact Fluorescent Lamps