CFLs should be used as a temporary solution for incandescent fixture, until a real fluorescent fixture can be bought. Indeed, like Vince says, CFLs should be operated base down/horizontal, but i think that even horizontal burning isn't good for them, but only vertical base down buring.
In Israel, mercury thermometers for long time were totally replaced by digital thermometers. Same as sphygmomanometers.
Regarding to dental fillings: Mercury amalgams are used for dental fillings, but i think that there are good alternative materials to amalgam to make the fillings, that are even more aesthetic and have longer life than amalgams.
Mercury switchs were only in use in the US, and the mercury free switches have usually no problems if they are uses high quality components.