The good: CFLs use less energy and last a whole lot longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs. In fact, they use about 75 percent less energy and can last about 10 times longer. Those two things combined add up to a $30 savings over the life of the CFL. It's no wonder that one in every four bulbs sold these days is a CFL.
The bad: CFLs should only be used in fixtures that stay on for long periods, preferably more than 15 minutes at a time. You will need a specially designed CFL if you want to use the bulb with a dimmer switch, outdoors or in a 3-way light fixture. CFLs should also not be used in ceiling fans where the vibration can cause the bulb's elements to fail. Using CFLs incorrectly will significantly diminish the life of the bulbs and your savings.
The ugly: All CFL bulbs contain a small amount of mercury. This includes those long tube fluorescent bulbs often found in work environments. Mercury is a toxic element that is particularly dangerous for young children or a developing fetus. Like other hazardous waste, used and unbroken CFLs should be taken to a qualified recycling center where the mercury can be properly handled.
Fluorescent lights contain mercury, but that's about it. They save a lot of electricity over comparable incandescent bulbs, and so that reduces the need for electricity production, which is itself polluting.
DK
Fluorescent lights have mercury in them, but it is much less than the mercury that would be ejected from coal powered plants if you used incandescent lights.
They contain mercury which is very bad for the environment.
Environment I wouldn't know but they have been known to cause seizures in people suffering from epilepsy
Are they bad for the environment and bad for other things to?
