We can not imagine Paris or New York without their permanent lights that have earned their nicknames of the lights city respectively and the city that never sleeps. However, in the interests of respecting environmental and energy economy, these cities and many others worldwide use more economic and ecological Light Bulbs, that are certainly not without health risks.
Economic and very long lifetime, the LED Light Bulbs are popular for domestic use but also for public lighting. They have indeed gradually replaced incandescent bulbs that have become banned in Europe.
LEDs have many advantages compared with traditional bulbs but also to the bulbs of the same generation as compact fluorescent bulbs and halogen. Indeed, LEDs consume much less electricity (and therefore energy), and last longer and have a very good performance, which positions them among the most promising energy efficient products.
In the streets, particularly, LED provide better illumination and a clearer vision. However, the National Health Security Agency (ANSES) and the American Medical Association (AMA) warn against the dangers associated with these LED lighting.
LED Light Bulbs , what health risks?
The LEDs used as substitutes for traditional bulbs in many cities so as to save money and energy, while they are in fact dangerous to the eyes due to their high luminance. Indeed, LEDs can have a toxic effect on the eyes, causing discomfort and glare, because they contain lots of blue light, which causes toxic stress to the retina.
LEDs can be especially dangerous for people sensitive to light and especially children because their lens is not developed yet and can not filter light effectively.
According to the AMA, street lighting at night should not exceed a color temperature of 3000 Kelvin. Remember, the color temperature indicates the shade of white light which can be either hot (yellow, orange or red) or cold (blue). The more it is, the more it contains blue light.
To make the case clear: a candle produces light at about 1800 Kelvin, while an incandescent bulb produces 2400 kelvins, or warm white colors. Whereas, the LEDs used in street lighting can produce more than 4000 K and therefore emit a lot of blue light, which is harmful to eyes.
Moreover, many people have complained about the intensity of the lights, as is the case in the city of Davis, California, where the majority of the population demanded to replace them. True, the streets are better lit with LEDs than with traditional bulbs, but the eye health must come first!
In addition, WADA also highlighted another problem caused by the LED. This is the light pollution that can impact the circadian rhythm. Indeed, LED exposure can inhibit the secretion of melatonin 5 times more than sodium vapor lamps with like orange light, which are widely used for street lighting. We have to remember that the hormone of melatonin, also known as the sleep hormone, is secreted by the pineal gland at night. Its production is stimulated when it is dark.
The decrease in the production of melatonin can result in a disturbance of the circadian rhythm, leading to sleep disturbances.
And that's not all, LED lighting can also impact the animals and disrupt eg bird migration.
So what solutions to reduce the dangers associated with LED lighting?
Given the risks and discomfort glare that can cause the LED lighting, WADA recommends the use of bulbs with a very low emission of blue light (no more than 3000 Kelvin). It also stresses the importance of protecting the LED bulbs installations, to minimize their effects.
ANSES, meanwhile, recommended to avoid using this type of lighting in areas frequented by children and their toys.