[Doug I]

so ... lemme see if I have this right ..... America invented the lightbulb, but now we can't make one?

Regarding the CFl disposal or breakage .... Retail outlets are open to legal exposure for breaching the EPA regs should one of these break in the store. If they don't follow the EPA regs then they are open to being sued by customers who "get sick" from the vapor & dust. Damned if they do and damned if they don't.

Good idea though to have a low consumption bulb - just somewhere along the way the good idea got lost in the bureaucratic enthusiasm.

sigh