Fluorescent lamp with incorporated chemical agent and method therefor

Abstract

Fluorescent lamps that utilize mercury, and methods and materials to reduce the solubility of mercury when fluorescent lamps are disposed of in a landfill. Such a fluorescent lamp includes a transparent envelope and at least one base enclosing an interior chamber within the envelope. The base has an interior surface and a sealing portion sealed to the envelope with a cement. A gas mixture comprising mercury vapor is contained within the interior chamber, and a quantity of material is disposed on the interior surface of the base. The quantity of material is spaced apart from the sealing portion and the cement thereof, and comprises a chemical agent that substantially reduces or prevents formation of leachable mercury.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.