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When CFL’s first came out, there was confusion about how they were to be treated when broken. A few of the first unfoturnates crossing this uncharted territory sometimes wound up in news reports stating that when the homeowner called and asked what to do with a broken bulb given it contains mercury, the “official” response was to require them to pay for advanced “hazmat” type services to come to their house and remove the “toxic” waste appropriately” (One homeowner’s EPA spec cleanup bill I recall was over a thousand dollars)

The big issue was the rules in place at the time for cleaning up mercury. Mercury is particularly damaging to children and there were strict laws in place and those laws were applied to broken light bulbs. With a revolt growing among consumers stung by exacting requirements, “New Rules” were devised advocating airing out a room etc. A bit cavelier but apparently there was no feasible way to introduce (Force) CFL’s to the public. SO forget child health concerns, open a window and put on gloves etc. But at least consumers were not required to call the environmental swat team$$$$

So my opinion of CFL’s was not good, and then I read this article about CFL’s which have little breaks in the protective coating which allow harmful UV light:
http://ex-skf.blogspot.com/2012/07/harmful-uv-radiation-for-humans-from.html

So I absolutely refuse to use them in desk lamps or reading lamps. I will burn through my stash of incandescents and hope that LED’s are ready by the time I am all out.