Is it safe?

Yes. Studies show that it is actually safer to package lamps by using Bulb Eater lamp crushing systems than boxing the lamps intact. The Bulb Eater captures over 99.99% of the mercury vapor released during crushing. While there is a small amount of mercury vapor released, the overall mercury exposure is significantly less than when managing the same quantity of lamps intact and dealing with the accidental breakage of the lamps. Based on EPA studies, accidental breakage rate is 3%, our customers are considerably safer crushing their lamps with our controlled emissions systems.

Due to the potential for mercury vapor exposure, our emissions-controlled lamp crushing machines have been tested for OSHA safety compliance by outside testing laboratories (test results available). These tests show that the operator experiences well under both Federal and State OSHA mercury vapor exposure levels. Our most recent emission study showed non-detectable levels of mercury vapor emissions even after crushing 1500 lamps. The State of Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has inspected TCRW's facility and the Bulb Eater machines, and the State of Illinois Environmental Protection Agency uses the Bulb Eater to safely package their lamps prior to recycling.