# blacklight contents
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blacklight-contents/274946
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [November 15, 2004, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blacklight-contents/274946 "2004-11-15T22:29:29Z")
**Posts on this page:** 3
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@blackflame](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blackflame)
#### Post date: [November 15, 2004, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blacklight-contents/274946/1 "2004-11-15T22:29:29Z")
i read something while doing research for a paper for chemistry recently and it says that there is Hg vapors in blacklights… Hg is quite deadly and i was wondering if anyone knew if this is true or not. if anyone knows the answer to this or knows a way for me to find out, please send an email to me with the heading of blacklights
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### Author:  [@Captain\_Amazing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Amazing)
#### Post date: [November 15, 2004, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blacklight-contents/274946/2 "2004-11-15T22:42:13Z")
I’m not going to send you an e-mail, but if you’re wondering how blacklights work, I’d suggest the page [www.howstuffworks.com](http://www.howstuffworks.com). And, in fact, they answer that question here:
> **[How Black Lights Work](https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/everyday-innovations/black-light.htm#pt1)**
>
> Black lights look like normal lights, but they do something completely different. Switch one on, and fingernails, laundry detergent, highlighters, money and teeth will glow in the dark. Find out what why.
And, as you can see from reading that page, they do contain mercury (as do all florescent lights).
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### Author:  [@threemae](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/threemae)
#### Post date: [November 15, 2004, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blacklight-contents/274946/3 "2004-11-15T22:49:10Z")
Addittionally, you should know that Hg vapors aren’t exactly, “quite deadly.” Google for more info if you want, but basically, unless exposure is long term and in extremely high concentrations, it isn’t likely to do much harm.
Of course, children and infants are at a much higher risk due to their development.