Chemical characterization of the main constituents of mercury lamps aiming environmental control

Mercury lamps (fluorescent, mercury vapor, sodium vapor and multi-vapors) have been focus of attention for environmentalists, once they carry small quantities of mercury - essential component for their functioning. The central objective of this paper is to characterize the main components present in mercury lamps aiming environmental control of generated waste, mainly at the final disposal stage. Quality and quantity methods of chemical analysis have been used, including the k*0-standardization method. The obtained outcome show that these lamps waste have high mercury, lead and cadmium concentration. This type of solid waste, if disposed inadequately, may provoke harmful effects to human health and contaminate ecosystems. (author)