Are CFL bulbs dangerous? My SO said one of his had burned out and the base unit looked like it had?

Question

overheated. The white plastic was darkened. Could that have been a defective bulb? Now he doesn't want to have them in my house.

Answer 1

I have never heard of an occurence like that taking place.  I have replaced all the lightbulbs in my house with CFL's several months ago and have not had any problems at all.  The only side effect has been a lower energy bill. :)  I'm almost certain that the incident you encountered was th result of a defective bulb of some kind.  CFL's do have higher mercury levels than other lightbulbs.  Experts recommend that when that CFL finally burns out to simply place it in a sandwich ziplock bag and seal it before you dispose of it in your trash can.

Answer 2

I've had a few bulbs do that.  One has burned a hole in the white base part.  It's a nice short out.  Not really dangerous though.  They smoulder for a bit and cool down pretty fast.  They definitely don't heat up to the point that it will set a lamp shade on fire, or the brass s***w the bulb goes in to.