Over the last decade, much of Europe and the US have changed the way they illuminate city and town streets.
Councils and local governments from Paris to Brooklyn have replaced high-energy sodium bulbs (the warmer, yellow ones) with energy-saving LED bulbs (with a blue light emitting diode, which can feel harsh in comparison). As well as street lights, most of us are exposed to blue light through smartphones, computers, TVs, and in the home.
Although this was in response to the critical need to use less energy and reduce carbon emissions - LED lights are more energy-efficient - there are growing concerns that LED lights may have a negative impact on human health that we don’t yet fully understand. At the same time as early blue LED lights were commercialised, there was a breakthrough in what we know about the eye. In the 1990s, the photopigment melanopsin was discovered, which explained to scientists how light enters the eye, and why blue light suppresses melatonin production. The cells that house melanopsin are particularly sensitive to blue light and melanopsin is fundamental in setting circadian rhythms. Because of this, the effect of blue LEDs is an increase in alertness and interference with sleep patterns in both humans and animals.
Earlier this year, the World Journal of Biological Psychiatry published a paper by a group of prominent psychiatrists that warned of the potential effects of LED lighting on mental illness.
It raised concerns about the influence of blue light on sleep, other circadian-mediated symptoms, use of digital healthcare apps and devices, and the higher sensitivity of teenagers to blue light.
“My concern about LED lighting followed from a larger, earlier concern about the relationship between light exposure and the occurrence of manic and mixed symptoms in bipolar disorder,” said John Gottlieb, Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago and an author of the paper.
“I had already clearly seen that supplemental light exposure - in the form of bright light therapy - was extremely helpful to patients with depression. What I was slower to realize was that excess and poorly-timed light exposure could have adverse effects on manic states and the sleep-wake cycle,” he said.
The paper has implications for the treatment of mental illness. If a person is prescribed a self-monitoring app, and instructed to use their smartphone to document mood changes, for example, and they do this before bed, it could have an adverse effect on their sleep, circadian rhythms and health.
“Because they are ubiquitous, smartphones represent the larger public health hazard,” said Gottlieb. “Streetlights, though, are not benign and together with the entire set of nocturnal lighting for entertainment, traffic, reading, etc contribute to the phenomena of light pollution, which we are becoming increasingly sensitised to.”
Because they are ubiquitous, smartphones represent the larger public health hazard”
Studies of the impact of blue light on healthy adults show it inhibits melatonin secretion which disrupts sleep and can affect quality of life, physical and mental health and susceptibility to illness. Previous studies of sleep disorders in children and adolescents show a clear and consistent relationship between sleep disorders and frequency of digital device usage.
Currently, the National Sleep Foundation guidelines suggest not using technology 30 minutes before bed and removing technology for the bedroom. However, there are currently no specific guidelines for people with an underlying mental illness or sensitivity to circadian disruption.
As LED technology has rapidly spread across the globe, the focus has been on the visual element and the energy-saving element. Now, scientists, health professionals and the LED industry are working to minimise the blue light in LEDs and create customisable lights that won’t harm those suffering from psychiatric disorders.
While the scientific evidence does not show any increased risk to the eyes, there may be other effects, like disrupting normal sleep and wake patterns, which might be particularly important for this age group. As people age, they may experience more difficulties with blue light sources.
For most people, this flickering is not consciously perceptible. But our brains notice it, which can result in headaches, eye strain, eye fatigue and decreased visual performance — without even realizing that these symptoms could be connected to the LED light near us.
LED light bulbs can last up to 20 times longer than standard forms of lighting such as incandescent bulbs or halogen bulbs, which has a very positive effect on the environment. The fact that LEDs last longer means that fewer bulbs need to be produced, and conversely they do not need to be replaced as often.
Exposing the eyes to artificial light at night can disrupt the circadian rhythm and contribute to some medical issues. Research from the University of California, Irvine has shown that disruption of the body clock is linked to depression, insomnia, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
Different LED colors do different things. For example, experts believe: Red LED light therapy may reduce inflammation and stimulate the production of collagen, a protein responsible for younger-looking skin that diminishes with age. Blue LED light therapy may destroy acne-causing bacteria (P. acnes).
Blue light can cause a disruption in your circadian rhythm, negatively affect your ability to fall asleep and the quality of your sleep. If you have many LED lights in your bedroom, this can become an issue for getting healthy sleep.
LED lighting can be complicated due to the often complex and detailed electrical wiring involved. If a system has not been set up correctly, it can cause all sorts of issues such as flickering lights, dimming and frequent power outages. Additionally, there's a higher chance that panel overloads can occur.
Prolonged use of some LED bulbs in enclosed fixtures may cause them to overheat, potentially causing damage to the light bulb and fixture. Even a little extra heat can shorten the bulb's lifespan and prevent you from enjoying the full benefits LED has to offer.
It has an exceptional safety profile. In fact, you can't overdo LED light therapy. Overuse won't cause burning or damage to the skin, but it won't fast-track your results, either. Generally, LED light therapy works best when used at least three to five times a week over a four to five week period.
LED lights also draw much less power than traditional lighting; a typical 84-watt fluorescent can be replaced by a 36 watt LED to give the same level of light. Less energy use reduces the demand from power plants and decreases greenhouse gas emissions.
Nocturnal insects, such as moths and beetles, are particularly susceptible to attraction and disorientation caused by bright LED lights. This can disrupt pollination processes, affect insect populations, and consequently impact the entire ecosystem.
Similarly, LEDs do not provide the same quality of light as incandescent because LED light is a narrowly focused, non-uniform beam. Thus, LEDs are not energy efficient as claimed by the industry because they do not provide the same quality of service as incandescent and HPS.
“Because they are digital, LEDs quickly turn on and off hundreds of times a second. This flutter causes our brains to work harder, disrupts the movement of your eyes, and can cause headaches, dizziness, and even nausea.” Fortunately, there are standards for LEDs that limit flickering to acceptable levels.
The potential savings are very significant – LEDs draw up to 85% less electricity than conventional incandescent lighting, and around 18% less electricity than CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lamps).
In summary, LED lights may be left on all night without risk. They can also provide advantages such as acting as a nightlight or an energy-saving choice because they are made to run for extended periods of time without posing any safety risks.
Generally, UV and LED lamps emit low levels of radiation and exposure times are short. If you are concerned, apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 (or higher) sunscreen to your hands 20 minutes before they are exposed to UV light or use fingerless gloves.
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