LED lighting has become a common choice for residential and commercial lighting due to its energy efficiency and long-lasting nature. It’s an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional lighting sources such as incandescent and fluorescent bulbs. However, as LED lights become increasingly popular, some concerns arise about their impact on our well-being. Today, we will evaluate the impact of LED lighting on human health and how we can mitigate its adverse effects.
Blue Light Spectrum
LED lighting emits blue light, which helps regulate our sleep cycles and circadian rhythm. Unfortunately, exposure to blue light at night can negatively affect our health. It can make it difficult to fall asleep and can impact our sleep quality, leading to problems such as fatigue, depression, and even obesity. To mitigate this issue, avoid using LED lights with a high colour temperature, especially in bedrooms and other areas meant for relaxation and sleep.
Flicker Effect
LED lights operate differently from traditional lighting sources and can flicker at high speeds, which may cause headaches, migraines, and eye strain. While the flicker effect is not visible to the naked eye, certain individuals, especially those with neurological disorders and those prone to migraines, can be more sensitive to it. In such cases, it’s essential to use LED lighting with a low flicker rate or seek out LED fixtures designed to reduce flicker.
UV Emissions
LED lights do not emit UV radiation the same way fluorescent lights do. However, some lower-quality LED lights may produce UV emissions, which can cause skin damage and other long-term health effects. It’s vital to ensure your company has the proper systems to filter any harmful UV rays if you’re using LED lights in areas where UV emissions could be a concern, such as in an art gallery or museum.
Glare and Brightness
While many benefits to using LED lighting fixtures exist, the spectrum can be significantly brighter than other lighting sources, leading to visual discomfort and eyestrain. The glare and brightness can cause headaches, create irritability, and even lead to car accidents. Proper lighting design is essential when using LED lights to avoid adverse effects on human health. Make sure you place your lights according to the recommended installation guidelines.
EMF Exposure
The electrical fields generated by LED lights may cause interference with other electromagnetic-sensitive devices, such as medical equipment. When installing LED lights, ensure the distance between the devices is sufficient to avoid electrical or electromagnetic interference. Also, it’s essential to ensure that the LED fixtures comply with the recommended safety regulations and standards.
Create a Safe and Healthy Environment
While LED lighting has numerous benefits, you must consider the health risks when using it. You can help mitigate the adverse effects and create a safe and healthy environment for your family, employees, or customers by evaluating the impact of LED lighting on human health before installing them.
Also, read: 5 Crucial Things to Think About When Designing Your Custom Built Home
