It seems like alot of people didn't read the article.
Here is some more info.
"A considerable number of persons were affected by ultraviolet radiation emitted from broken mercury vapour lamps at a public event at Katanning in April 1998.
Mercury vapour and metal halide lamps are used to illuminate sports stadiums, industrial, commercial and office buildings as well as roads, parking and public areas.
Mercury vapour and metal halide lamps are constructed as a two-jacketed device - an inner tube and an outer glass envelope. The inner tube contains the gas through which an electrical discharge is maintained. The discharge emits electromagnetic energy in the form of visible light, ultraviolet and infrared radiation. The inner tube is surrounded by a glass envelope, the inside of which is coated with a phosphor which emits a visible light. The outer envelope reduces shortwave ultraviolet radiation emitted from the inner tube. If the outer envelope is broken, the lamp will continue to burn emitting shortwave ultraviolet radiation of sufficient intensity to cause severe skin and eye burns. The fact that exposed persons may be unaware of damaged lamps makes these lamps particularly hazardous. "
katanning? kaburning