What to do if a CFL breaks of smokes.

Step 12: What to do if a CFL breaks of smokes.

What do I do if a CFL breaks or smokes?

Thank Consumer Reports for the answer to this question.

CFLs contain small amount of mercury, a neurotoxin. If a bulb breaks, follow these instructions from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Open the windows and leave the room for at least 15 minutes.
For hard floors, don't vacuum or sweep the mess. Instead, wear disposable rubber gloves and use cardboard or stiff paper to scoop up the debris. Then clean the area with a damp paper towel.
For rugs, use sticky tape to pick up any fragments and powder. Then vacuum the area if necessary.
Place the debris and cleanup materials into a plastic bag and seal it. Put that bag into another plastic bag and seal that one as well.
If your area allows it, and no other disposal or recycling options exist, place in trash outside. Wash your hands.
After vacuuming the area for the first time, remove bag or empy and wipe bin. Put bag or debris into a plastic bag and seal it. Then put that bag into another bag and seal it. Place in the trash outside.

Although it is rare, some CFLs smoke, smell, or darken at the base when they burn out. Currently all CFL materials must be self-extinguishing, so they won't catch fire, according to energy star.

If your CFL has a dramatic end, turn off power to the CFL. Once the bulb has cooled, remove it. Then send an email message with a photo of the bulb and its make and model to cfl@energystar.gov