I read the article in the Kennebec Journal dated Feb. 8 regarding a bill that Sen. Ethan Strimling, D-Portland, wants to pass banning incandescent bulbs by 2010 and replacing them with fluorescent ones.

I would have thought this was a good idea six months ago when I replaced 99 percent of all my lamps and ceiling lights with fluorescent lights, until I broke one and had to take it to the Augusta dump. I was told that the light bulb contains a very fine mercury dust and I should call the Department of Environmental Protection about clean-up.

I went to the DEP Web site and found fluorescent bulbs with a paragraph heading that stated: "What if I accidentally break a fluorescent bulb in my home?"

Needless to say, I was horrified when I read what they suggested a homeowner do to clean up the broken bulb: Wear gloves, safety glasses, ventilate, wear old clothing, don't vacuum and put it in a glass jar and label it "Universal Waste -- broken lamp."

I have huge concerns about breakage and recycling. Small children are at risk. Mercury poisoning affects the developing child. Where are the warning labels?

There was just a few sentences about the bulb containing mercury and an 800-number to call. What about educating people about clean-up? Where are we going to recycle these bulbs? Before this bill is passed, please let's think hard about the short- and long-term consequences.

Kate Buehner

Gardiner