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Name: Peter V.
Status: student
Age: 20s
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 2001-2002
Question:
why do fluorescent light bulbs glow when you put them in a microwave? Is it because of the gas inside.

Replies:
WHOA!!!

Putting a fluorescent light bulbs in a microwave is NOT safe. They contain metal wires and components that could become very hot, very quickly, or the microwave generator could arc, and cause the bulb to leak or even explode!!! Depending upon the type of bulb, it could contain mercury for example, that would be very harmful.

The glow is no doubt due to the excitation of the gas within the lamp, but do not continue this very unsafe practice.

Vince Calder


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