About CFLs and Mercury

Compact fluorescent lights (CFL's) are being sold as a way to reduce electricity demands and save money. On the surface the implementation of CFLs seems like a good idea. However, consumers are not being told of the mercury contained in each cfl. In our haste to become more environmentally friendly are we trading in a consumption issue (use of electricity) for an environment issue (improper disposal of mercury) down the road? The average small, household cfl contains approximately 5 mg of mercury.

According to a Wikipedia article on mercury poisoning "Mercury damages the central nervous system, endocrine system, kidneys, and other organs, and adversely affects the mouth, gums, and teeth. Exposure over long periods of time or heavy exposure to mercury vapor can result in brain damage and ultimately death. Mercury and its compounds are particularly toxic to fetuses and infants. Women who have been exposed to mercury in pregnancy have sometimes given birth to children with serious birth defects (see Minamata disease)."