When I first considered switching to low energy bulbs about 6 months ago, I had similar concerns so I did a little research online to find out more info. While it seems that there is still debate in some circles about the pros and cons of low energy bulbs, here's what I took from what I read (in relation to the questions you've posed):

- Yes, low energy (CFL) lightbulbs DO contain small amounts of mercury vapour which is the gas used to conduct the electricity around the bulb. Although the amount in them by no means constitues the bulb "being filled with mercury" as the common statement goes, I guess it just needs some common sense when disposing of it. Increasingly, more and more places are provinding the facilities for you to drop off your used bulbs to be disposed of safely, including council refuse tips and some bulb retailers (Ikea, DIY stores etc). I would expect this to become more common-place as the usage of CFL bulbs increases so it's just down to people to dispose of the old bulbs sensibly (as you're already supposed to do with things like batteries).

- It's reported that, even if everyone just threw their CFL light bulbs into the main rubbish to go to landfill, the amount of mercury entering the environment as a result would still be less than what currently enters the environment as a result of the production of the electricity needed to power all the traditional lightbulbs. The argument goes that, by swapping to CFL bulbs and reducing the energy required to power the UK's lighting, we reduce the UK's mercury output by far more than we would ever put back in via carelessly-disposed CFL bulbs. Bear in mind too that the CFL bulbs last far longer than traditional ones so there will be far less of them to throw away than there are traditional bulbs.

- I guess there could be a worry if bulbs were to smash but I don't think I've ever smashed a lightbulb in my life (even when I've dropped them on the carpet while swapping them over) so it seems quite a minimal risk to me. The fact is that, if we were this twitchy about every device, priduct and gadget we bought for our homes, most UK houses would probably be half empty!

- In terms of a slow start-up/low light levels, I've generally tended to find that you get what you pay for. I've bought low energy bulbs for 89p from market stalls and found that, yes, they do take a while to heat up fully and don't always give as much light out as you got from the old bulbs. But, paying £2-£3 for a decent brand-named bulb cuts most of that out. The Philips ones I currently have installed fire up more or less instantly and give just as much light as the old-style bulbs. If instant light IS needed in places (eg staircases), go for a better quality bulb. Worse-case scenario, leave a traditional-style bulb in these places but it's no reason to not still install low energy bulbs in the rest of the house.

- Finally, cost. Yes, low energy bulbs (especially good ones) tend to be more expensive than traditional ones at the moment. But it's about supply and demand and as demand goes up (which it will invariably do as old bulbs are phased out), you'd expect prices to come down quite a bit. Even now, although more costly, the fact that they use a fifth of the electricity and last 10 times longer means that you actually SAVE money in the long run.

Suffice as to say that I was soon convinced to install low energy bulbs in my house and, after a bit of experimenting with different brands/wattages, I've now got them throughout my house and, all things taken into account, see no reason why everyone else shouldn't do likewise!

I was horrified to read in the papers that they are considering "blackouts" in streets. I would anticipate that people will need to put lanterns outside their own houses so that they can see to get in and out of their homes. This will of course put the cost of electricity on to the householder again, thus saving the Councils money. With the new bulbs the security lights will not be able to be used, so the only alternative will be to put a permanent light up on your own premises. More electricity wasted for the household - more money in the pockets of the Councils - not to mention the uprise in crime and street assaults. Oh what a price to pay for going green.

I am sorry I have not replied to you before but I had an accident and broke my hip. I had a repair job done and it went wrong and I had to have it all done again. The article was in the press, it could have been the Daily Mail or our local paper. However,nothing seems to have come of this daft idea. I quite agree that Councils should cut down on other wasted lighting. I live on the outskirts of a multicultural city and it has two celebratory sets of lights, just before, and at Christmas. I was horrified when I passed through the area in the ambulance in November last year to see the vast extent of this lighting. I have never seen it before as I cannot get into the City at night as we have no public transport and I have no car.