Are fluorescent bulbs worth the risk?

As the government plans to distribute 30 million free Compact Fluorescent (CFL) bulbs, Environmental risks from CFL have become a talk of the town these days.
While CFL bulbs are extremely energy-efficient, officials and media warn that the mercury contained within them could be harmful to health. This has led to confusion among masses whether to classify CFL as green technology and welcome governments initiative or whether shy away from it thinking that its a toxic product.
On an average, CFL bulb contains 5 milligrams of mercury, which is enough to contaminate up to 6,000 gallons of water beyond safe drinking levels, according to Stanford Universitys research.
But voters of CFL say that mercury is safe, until the bulb is broken. Moreover, most mercury vapor inside fluorescent light bulbs becomes bound to the inside of the light bulb as it is used and only 14 percent is released into air or water when it is sent to a landfill, and i.e. assuming that CFL bulb is broken, according to Energy Star, a U.S Environmental Protection Agency and US Department of Energy Program.
Given these estimates, incandescent bulb, consumes more electricity than CFL which is generated through coal, natural gas and furnace oil power plants, produces on average 5.8 mg of mercury over its life in contrast to 1.8 mg of mercury released by CFL in environment.
According to Philips Pakistan, if one incandescent bulb is replaced by CFL it will save energy by 80 percent and reduce CO2 emissions by 42 kg per lamp per year. "Using CFL, in fact, reduces overall emissions to the environment, as they contain minuscule amount of mercury", says Mark Kohorst, senior manager for environment, health and safety for U.S National Electrical Manufactures Association.
Amid global warming and electricity shortage at home, it is quite rational to welcome this project enthusiastically, since through proper precautionary measures mercury release can be reduced further and environmental threats minimized.
Such measures may include: creating awareness about safe disposal of bulb and cleaning of a broken CFL, so that the mercury does not pollute environment - something which can be easily done through media campaigns. Likewise, foster recycling and disposal options like that practiced by IKEA, retailer home accessories and furniture, which offer free recycling of any CFL that comes through its door.
Other measures require, setting strict standards for imports of CFL and placing a ban on low quality CFL brands since CFL bulb with safety skin or unbreakable safety shell prevents mercury from escaping.
In short, CFL bulbs are worth the risk; all the government has to do is to ensure the right of safety regulations and implement it as well.