'Enviromentally- Friendly' Light Bulb Raises Health Concerns

Over the past week, Pat Eberherr has stocked up on more than 144 incandescent light bulbs. She doesn’t trust the new CFLs.
“If you break one in your home, then you’re emitting mercury into the air, everywhere,” Eberherr explained.
Dr. Barry Blakely is a toxicology professor at the University of Saskatchewan. He says pregnant women should be cautious, but he says there is no need to panic if a bulb is broken.
“You might break one bulb, you will not die from mercury poisoning or likely become affected,” he explained.
“People with asthma -the irritation of the elemental mercury could aggravate your asthma.”
If you break a CFL, Health Canada recommends ventilating the room for at least 15 minutes. Do not use a vacuum, instead use gloves to sweep up the debris and dispose of it at a household hazardous waste location as soon as possible.