Shining a light on fluorescent bulbs - Environment- msnbc.com

While compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are being touted as better for the environment because they are more energy efficient and last longer than incandescent bulbs, they also contain mercury which is toxic and could cause major environmental damage. Unfortunately, most people are unprepared to deal with the bulbs and just toss them in the trash (currently illegal only in a handful of states). Precautions need to be taken in the handling and disposal of CFLs because when they break, mercury is released into the air and the environment something highly damaging to human health and ecosystems.