CFL lightbulbs (the swirly Al Gore ones) are more expensive than regular lightbulbs, but they last longer and end up paying for themselves.
The supposedly “green” lightbulbs present a big problem, however, if they break.
CFL bulbs are packed full of mercury, which is the reason they last longer, and the mercury can be hazardous to bulb owners with butter fingers.
Side effects of mercury poisoning from the lightbulbs include chest pain and coughing in the short-term and hallucinations and delirium in the long-term.
In addition to the risk of mercury poisoning, a person who accidentally breaks one of these lightbulbs may be required to pay a fine for mercury clean up.
We are sure there is a warning on the boxes containing these lightbulbs, but we believe the boxes should also include instructions on what to do if a bulb breaks for those interested in knowing.
Instructions on how to safely dispose of CFL bulbs should be somewhere near the warning.
Boxes should also carry some suggestions on use of the lightbulbs, such as avoiding their use in lamps, in children’s rooms or within reach of pets or children.
