Those spending most of their time in buildings wonder whether LED lighting is safe for their health.
In this article we discuss:
- the light parameters that characterise LED light sources affecting the health,
- a comparison between LED lamps and ordinary fluorescent lamps,
- basic conditions for the use of LED lighting.
LED light – the most important parameters affecting our health
Each source of light has its own characteristic attributes. Some of them, may affect our health. Low-quality LED lamps are those that have:
a flickering effect,
that is not always visible, leads to eye fatigue and can also cause headaches and nausea.
The easiest way to verify this parameter is to pay attention to the power supply ripple current factor. A value of less than 3% is considered to make a very good luminaire.
too high a level of the blue spectrum, or rather an excess of it,
which promotes macular degeneration and can cause higher cortisol levels. This is particularly true for electromagnetic wavelengths between 460 and 485 nm.
high UGR,
resulting from luminaires that are improper for the application which can cause burning eyes and glare. This parameter is particularly important in high-bay warehouses. Attention should also be paid to it for luminaires located close to the user, such as in workstation lighting.
So, are LED lamps harmful? Correctly designed and tested products do not pose a risk. Note that a neutral colour of light, with a colour temperature close to 4000 K, is the most versatile. Tailor-made artificial lighting will be beneficial for those working in offices, warehouses or areas requiring high-precision work.
Are LED lamps safe? How do fluorescent lamps compare?
LED light, is emitted by light-emitting diodes. Traditional fluorescent lamps, on the other hand, use a current flow in mercury and argon vapours. On this basis alone, it can be seen that discharge lamps are less safe, if only because of the harmful substances contained within. Moreover, the LED lamp does not generate harmful UV radiation, unlike conventional fluorescent lamps. As a proof, ask the manufacturer for the photobiological safety report of the LED used in the luminaire in question. This document specifies the RG class of the LED source. Class 0 and Class 1 LEDs are considered safe for indoor lighting in close proximity to humans.
Proven LED lighting is safe to use
Any lighting of poor quality and prolonged exposure of eyes to this type of light source can cause dangerous health effects. However, is LED lighting harmful? LED technology is well developed and offers a lot of possibilities. It is worth choosing lamps from proven manufacturers , they are completely safe.
We have been installing our products for many years. If you are looking for LED lighting for your business and are wondering whether it will be suitable for its users please contact us. We will help to dispel your doubts.
See other articles
See all