I have worked in the environmental field for over 20 years.  I currently work for a regulatory agency that is pushing the CFLs.  And as a result, I have seen many sides to this story.  Suppose CFLs do reduce mercury emissions from power plants. It's like saying, 'Do you want your mercury over here, or over there?', because the CFLs create another mercury source.  The net environmental benefit is essentially zero.  I firmly believe that mandating the change from incandescent to flourescent bulbs is a huge mistake. 

I agree with Dr. Mercola on Full Spectrum lighting, but I disagree with flourescent light bulbs.  The best option, as Dr. M puts it, is and always will be, to use as much natural lighting as possible.  I know it's hard to do in existing structures sometimes, but new construction designed to be 'green', can incorporate many features that greatly reduce the need for electrical lighing.  Support and use these whenever possible.  If we can hold off until the LED technology comes about, I believe that will ultimately be a more sound environmental decision.

FYI - The record continuous burning incandescent light buld is over 100 years. So the longevity issue is really in the manufacturing of the bulbs, not the technology. I personally have incandescent light bulbs that have been in use for 10 years, and some I can't get to last 10 months.  Sometimes it's the fixutures fault. 

greenjohnsmith - thank you.  I knew nothing about mercury in these bulbs which I am sure I have handled carelessly.  Luckkily the only one left is outside, but unfortunately can be easily broken as it now stands.  Thanks again.  Duane

I actually thought that the mercury in CFL light bulbs was housed in the plastic container at the base of the bulb. Instead, it turns out that there is on average 4mg of mercury in every CFL bulb. The fact that there is mercury in CFL bulbs is only half the story.

"Ironically, CFLs present an opportunity to prevent mercury from entering our air, where it most affects our health. The highest source of mercury in our air comes from burning fossil fuels such as coal, the most common fuel used in the U.S. to produce electricity. A CFL uses 75% less energy than an incandescent light bulb and lasts at least 6 times longer. A power plant will emit 10mg of mercury to produce the electricity to run an incandescent bulb compared to only 2.4mg of mercury to run a CFL for the same time."

My personal opinion is that there is not enough money and research/development currently being put into LED (light emitting diode) lights. LED lights are less toxic than both incandescent and CFL, last for longer than both, and use significantly less electricity than both. In 10 years it is my opinion that LED lights will be the standard, but that is simply not soon enough.

In order to safely clean up CFL breaks follow these instructions:

“If a CFL breaks in your home, open nearby windows to disperse any vapor that may escape, carefully sweep up the fragments (do not use your hands) and wipe the area with a disposable paper towel to remove all glass fragments. Do not use a vacuum. Place all fragments in a sealed plastic bag and follow disposal instructions above.”  Nevertheless, if a CFL does break it is likely the mercury content in that room will remain high until it is properly cleaned as the article so discusses.  I wouldn’t want one breaking in my bedroom.

SECOND POST-READ POST JUST BELOW THIS ONE FIRST.

The extreme danger of mercury contamination in the home has actually made me think twice about using CFL light bulbs. Especially around areas of the home that one sleeps or cannot be well ventilated. They appear more adequate for outside use in a location where they are unlikely to be broken, and if broken, the mercury is likely to disperse rapidly.

Further, do any of you know where you can safely dispose of CFL light bulbs? Most IKEAs have disposal centers. But seriously, how many of you will tromp over to IKEA to dispose of your bulbs. How many of you have an IKEA close by. The majority of people will simply dispose of them in their trash, which poses a serious health risk to both you and garbage collectors if they are broken anywhere in transit.

 

http://www.nema.org/lamprecycle/epafactsheet-cfl.pdf

http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=55213