ajemas said:
Yes, it is Mercury that is let out. It is a fairly small amount, but it is still dangerous if broken. This is probably one of the most dangerous drops that they've done, as this stuff is very poisonous. I just hope that they wore gloves when they cleaned it up.
The bulbs themselves, however, aren't dangerous for the environment as long as they're disposed of properly. If they aren't thrown away with the regular trash, they provide enormous energy consumption benefits. Just make sure to hold your breath when you drop them on the floor.
I assure you its not as dangerous as you seem to think. Did you know that back when our parents were in grade school, the science teacher would allow them to play with globs of mercury? It didn't kill them, did it? Sure, long term exposure will kill brain cells, but the little bit of exposure hurt nothing. The trace amounts in a light bulb will do absolutely nothing. (Quicksilver, as it was colloquially known, is actually quite neat to watch move around. See here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31CE2BYicyU)
Just don't let a baby eat it, is all. Babies are more susceptible to anything because they are so small (body-mass wise) and their immune systems are still weak. But two fully grown adults will have no side-effects.