Spiral, energy-efficient bulbs are becoming very popular. However they can pose a small risk of mercury poisoning if they break, also when they do burn out they should not be disposed of in the regular trash.

Maine Environmental officials along with the Vermont based Mercury Policy Project state the bulbs can pose a mercury poisoning risk if they break. If the bulb breaks mercury can vaporize into the air. However they do state that most danger can be avoided by using common sense.

-- Do not use bulbs in table lamps that could be easily knocked over by children or pets.

-- Properly clean up if a bulb breaks.

-- Some states do not allow these bulbs to be thrown away in regular trash. Properly dispose of them. IKEA offers recycling bins.

The study suggests these steps for clean up.

-- Get children and pets out of the room.

-- Ventilate the room.

-- Never use a vacuum ( not even on a rug).

-- Use stiff paper ( such as an index card) and tape to pick up the pieces.

-- If young children, pets, pregnant women, are around consider removing that piece of carpet.

-- Properly dispose of broken bulb and glass. You can use a glass jar with a screw top.

The FDA has more guidelines available at their website.