The $30 billion LED lighting industry's unexamined risk

A new study from University College London reveals that LED lighting may be compromising our health by depriving cells of essential light wavelengths, raising concerns about the widespread adoption of these energy-efficient bulbs.

LED lights have become increasingly common in homes, offices, and public spaces due to their superior energy efficiency and longevity compared to traditional incandescent and fluorescent bulbs. They consume up to 75% less energy and can last up to 25 times longer, making them an economically and environmentally attractive option.

However , recent scientific research suggests that this efficiency may come at a hidden cost to human health. A report by Dr. Edward M. Barrett and Dr. Glen Jeffery from University College London (UCL) presents evidence that LED lighting could negatively affect visual performance and cellular function.

What auditors flagged in the study's findings

The researchers conducted color contrast tests on employees in a UCL building before and after introducing incandescent lights to supplement the LED lighting. Their findings showed a significant improvement in visual performance after exposure to incandescent light , leading them to speculate that the effect is linked to enhanced mitochondrial function.

Mitochondria, known as the powerhouses of the cell, are sensitive to light and increase energy production in the form of ATP when exposed to longer wavelengths, typically in the range of 660-1,000 nanometers. These organelles produce about 90% of the body's energy, and impaired mitochondrial function has been associated with various diseases, including cancer and genetic disorders.

A broader public health issue

The study posits that because LED lights are primarily confined to the human visual spectrum-emitting wavelengths between 350 and 650 nanometers-they lack the longer, non-visible wavelengths that our bodies have evolved to receive from sunlight.

The sun's full spectrum reaches Earth with wavelengths from 300 to 2,500 nanometers, and though human eyes can only perceive 380-780 nanometers, the body still responds to infrared and other longer wavelengths. By limiting light output to the visible range,LED bulbs maximize efficiency but may starve our cells of the photonic energy needed for optimal mitochondrial activity.

Who is the unnamed buyer of the health risks?

The researchers caution that the widespread adoption of LED lighting without considering its spectral composition could represent a significant public health issue. While energy conservation remains critical, balancing it with health considerations is essential to avoid unintended consequences from our built environment's lighting choices.

What's still unknown

The study's findings suggest that further research is needed to fully understand the impact of LED lighting on human health.. Specifically, more studies are required to determine the long-term effects of prolonged exposure to LED lighting and to investigate the potential benefits of supplementing LED lighting with incandescent or other light sources that emit longer wavelengths.

Additionally, the study highlights the need for manufacturers to consider the spectral composition of their LED bulbs and to provide consumers with information about the potential health risks associated with their products.