Which substance in lamps can be hazardous?

Phosphor is a substance used in various types of lamps, particularly in fluorescent and some LED lamps, to convert ultraviolet (UV) light emitted by the bulb into visible light. While phosphors effectively enhance lighting quality, certain phosphor materials can be hazardous due to their chemical properties and potential health effects.

For instance, some phosphors contain substances that are toxic when ingested or inhaled, leading to potential risks during manufacturing, disposal, or breakage of the lamps. Additionally, improper handling or exposure to phosphor powders can pose inhalation risks or skin irritation. Therefore, understanding the handling and disposal of lamps containing phosphor is essential for health and safety in the building services engineering field.

In contrast, while sodium, aluminum, and silicon have various applications and can present hazards under specific circumstances, they are not typically categorized as hazardous substances in the context of lamp composition in the same way phosphor is.