Can LED Lighting Impact Our Health?

LED Lighting: are the perceived risks overestimated?

As licensed electricians in San Antonio, we strive to bring our clients a better understanding of cutting-edge electrical products such as LED lighting systems and their effects on our quality of life. This article deals with questions regarding some perceived dangers of LED lighting for our health. 

LED lighting technology: A work in progress  

LED technology has changed the face of lighting in private homes and public buildings by providing a more color-truthful, more intense, and more modulable source of artificial light than any previous lighting technology before. 

But the technology behind this new type of light has not been perfect from the get-go. It is actually still improving. In the process, medical science discovered that some aspects of LED technology could create risks for users. These risks have been and are still being addressed and resolved to make this technology safe for use in private and public spaces.

Today, LED lighting is very safe to use but must also be accompanied with certain precautions to avoid overuse leading to damaging our eyes, for instance. 

Does LED lights impact sleep and sleep quality?

Research indicates that LED lighting can disrupt melatonin secretion, potentially leading to sleep disturbances. Some people may have a more difficult time falling asleep, experience interrupted or fragmented sleep, or experience a reduced sleep duration. Limiting screen time and exposure to LED lighting at least an hour before bedtime can improve sleep quality.

Can LED lights cause cataract?

While the direct causation between LED lighting and cataract development is not conclusively established, there are indeed concerns about the potential harm of prolonged exposure to the blue light emitted by LEDs. Blue light, which is part of the visible light spectrum and has a shorter wavelength, carries more energy than other colors of light. When this high-energy blue light penetrates the eye, it can lead to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the eye.

There are ways to minimize the risk of overexposure to blue light, and the potential long-term connection between LED lighting and cataract, including:

• Use blue light filters
• Wear protective eyewear that filters out blue lights
• Take regular breaks from exposure using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds
• Reduce brightness, especially in low light conditions
• Ensure ambient lighting is adequate when using LED lighting or screens

Bottom line

Research has proven that LED lighting is very safe to use, both in homes and in professional environments (office, retail stores, factory floor). However, it should be noted that these studies conclude that periods of rest or break are needed to avoid damaging the eye and affecting performance. 

If you have any questions about your electrical installation or would like to discuss any project for your home or professional buildings, don’t hesitate to contact us at (210) 391-0274 for an evaluation and an estimate.