For everyone who seems to constantly mention the horrible and dire effects of coming in contact with a bit of mercury, do any of you remember that we used to PLAY with balls of mercury in our science classes and we are, all things considered, JUST FINE.

Though mercury poisoning is real and the threat may be worth considering, it's way, way exaggerated. I think it's ridiculous that every mention of a fluorescent bulb is followed by a thousand comments treating mercury as if it's the single deadliest and most dangerous product in existence.

I used to bounce it around a lab table. It was good fun. I may be a little crazy, but I do not have autism, my hair is not falling out, and my kidneys are in perfect working order, etc.

I know there are plenty of clinical/scientific studies demonstrating the dangers of mercury. Those same studies exist for numerous other things we deal with in day to day life. The majority of people that have had mercury absorbed through the skin, ingested it via fish, or inhaled it's vapors are fine. Fear and sensationalism is blowing the impending doom that is mercury out of proportion.