We were just advised of a very informative site discussing the many issues with CFL lights - at the GreenerLights Blog. There is excellent information on actual performance, safety and power factor (actual delivered energy savings to The Grid).
CFL Analysis Summary - Actual Savings
With all the factors below added together, it should be more than obvious that CFLs
a) don't save as much energy as claimed;
b) don't give the same quality light as incandescent and halogen lamps;
c) cannot be used in any light fitting (luminaires); and
d) are not as environmentally friendly and safe as previously assumed.
http://greenerlights.blogspot.com/2009/03/3m-cfl-analysis-summary-actual-savings.html
