NALMCO Certified Apprentice Lighting Technician (CALT) Practice Exam

Why should consumers avoid disposing of mercury-containing lamps in regular trash?

1. It may lead to increased costs for waste collection

2. It poses a risk of breakage and subsequent contamination

3. It creates an unpleasant odor in landfills

4. It encourages illegal dumping actions

The correct answer is: It poses a risk of breakage and subsequent contamination

Disposing of mercury-containing lamps in regular trash poses a significant risk due to the potential for breakage and subsequent contamination. When these lamps break, they release mercury, a toxic substance that can contaminate the environment and pose health risks to humans and wildlife. Mercury is hazardous, and even small amounts can contribute to serious pollution issues, especially in soil and water sources. The environmental impact is particularly concerning, as it can lead to bioaccumulation in food chains and long-term ecological damage. Other choices, while they might touch on related issues, do not directly highlight the critical environmental and health risks associated with mercury contamination from broken lamps. It's important to recognize the need for proper disposal methods, such as recycling programs designed to handle hazardous materials, to mitigate these risks effectively.