There was a big scare about these light bulbs a couple of years ago, because a study in Germany found that the mercury in them could be potentially toxic. As usual, the tabloid press reacted with hysteria - one paper even said that if an energy saving light bulb fell down and broke, you would have to run out of the room straight away, because the toxic material released would seriously harm you!


When things calmed down a bit, it was pointed out that the quantities of mercury are so small, you would need to break a whole lot of light bulbs at once for it to have any effect. In fact, a light bulb contains only slightly more energy than a thermometer, which most people will put in their mouths quite happily, and certainly wouldn't worry if they broke.

That said, the mercury is certainly there, and you are advised to dispose of the bulbs carefully after use.