Don't panic

Here's the first thing you should do in case you break one of your CFL (compact fluorescent lamps) light bulbs:  don't panic.

CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, about 3-4 milligrams each --  common household glass thermometers contain about 500.  As with many household items, CFLs should be handled of properly.  In fact, the EPA recently relaxed their guidelines on the disposal of CFLs.

You can read more here:  http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=recycle.pr_cfls