Ahh.. Here we go again...
The best CFLs are made by Philips in Germany.
The cheap chinese ones should not be ran any other position than base down.
There is not enough mercury to do anything in a lamp. That belief is because of some stupid woman who overreacted and the DEQ of that state that didnt know any better. Metallic mercury is not that bid of a deal. Mercury compounds are whats toxic.
If your going to put up fluorescents to replace incandescent lamps just install a new fixture with snap in lamps with a g24 base. Cheaper in the long run and lasts a heck of a lot longer.
I bought a bunch, and so far none of them have lasted anywhere near as long as they're supposed to. The electronics in the bases burn up. And of course, to use the warranty, you have to have your receipt. Now we have to save receipts of friggin' light bulbs?
The other problem is that they are very dim until they warm up for 30 seconds or so. Makes things like having to pee in the middle of the night more of a challenge, and almost useless for security lights should they ever be completely crammed down our throats.
And now we will have to use special disposal techniques? For light bulbs, are you kidding me?
Here's an actual scientific study testing many different bulbs, brands and models of vacuums to clean them up, and even containers the fragments are put into.
http://mainegov-images.informe.org/dep/rwm/homeowner/cflreport/cflreportwoapp.pdf Compare this cleanup method to an incandescent:
6.8.1. Never use a vacuum. A standard vacuum can spread dust throughout thearea and potentially contaminate the vacuum
6.8.2. Keep people and pets away from the breakage area to prevent mercury inthe powder from being tracked.
6.8.3. Ventilate the area by opening windows.
6.8.4. If possible, reduce the temperature.
6.8.5. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as rubber gloves, safety glasses, old clothing or coveralls, and a dust mask to keep bulb dust and glass from being inhaled.
6.8.6. Carefully remove larger pieces and all waste and materials used to clean up a break and place them in a secure closed container or airtight plastic bag.
6.8.7. Collect smaller pieces and dust. Use a disposable broom and dustpan or
two stiff pieces of paper to scoop up the pieces.
6.8.8. Pat the area with the sticky side of tape and wipe the area with a damp cloth or paper towel to pick up the fine particles.
6.8.9. Consider using a drop cloth when changing a lamp so that any accidental breakage can be easily cleaned up.
They had levels in some cases multiple times above their 'safe' levels even after it was 'cleaned up'.
Thanks, but I'll pass. Glass and tungsten works just fine for me. I think these are a fad anyways, LED lighting will be I hope the preferred technology. Unfortunately, they last way too long though, so they may never be brought to market.