Artificial lighting has a direct impact on your health. We often experience eye strain, headaches and irritable
behavior if exposed to harsh lighting. A study
published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and
Metabolism has revealed that certain types of electric
lights can increase the risk of developing type 2
diabetes, blood pressure fluctuations and cancer.
Let us first understand the different types of artificial
light we have used so far in our homes and offices.
Incandescent Bulbs
The history of artificial lighting began with incandescent
bulbs which consume more energy. Also, their harsh,
yellow light has a negative impact on the eyes. These
types of bulbs are high in red, orange and yellow
frequencies which make people squint in its bright light as they first reach the cones in the eye. The yellow
frequency is not absorbed which is why you experience
a glare from incandescent bulbs. This glare can cause
eye strain and also lead to shortsightedness or myopia.
The incandescent bulb also has a tendency to get
overheated as it gives out thermal radiation. Reading
under this type of bulb can cause watery eyes and
headache from the thermal radiation.
Tube Lights
The invention of tube lights came as a welcome
change after incandescent bulbs. They quickly found
their way into most homes and offices. Studies have shown that tube lights can suppress melatonin
production, the hormone that helps control your sleep
and wake cycles. The bluish-yellow frequency from tube
light rays can aggravate symptoms of migraine, autism
or Asperger syndrome. The cool white color also has an
adverse effect on your biorhythms. Another concern is
the constant flicker, which is not noticeable unless you
watch closely, and its negative impact on your eyes.
CFL & LED Bulbs
The Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) and Light
Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs are highly energy efficient.
They emit a cool, white frequency light and hence cause
less eyestrain.
But, several scientists and researchers have voiced
their concerns on their safety of CFLs:
UK’s top eye expert Dr. John Marshall claims that CFLs
damage the retina and cause macular degeneration in
the long run.
The ultraviolet waves from CFLs also increase the risk
of eye cataracts.
Professor John Hawk, retired head of photobiology at
the St. John’s Institute of Dermatology, King’s College,
London warns that the ultraviolet emission from CFLs
can damage the skin and increase the risk of skin
cancer.
CFLs may also cause symptoms like prickly heat,
rashes, redness, itching and eye irritation.
Professor Hawk also believes that the constant flickers
from CFLs irritate people with a migraine and also
trigger epileptic fits and headaches.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is also another side
effect of CFLs.
The worries with LED lighting are almost similar. The semiconductor diode that releases light energy has
a harmful impact on human eyes and skin. LED lighting
can damage the retina and ultimately lead to blindness.
However, Dan Roberts, Director of Macular
Degeneration Support, a non-profit based out of
Missouri claims that the harm caused by LED can be
limited by inbuilt protection in the product. LEDs are
directional lights unlike the 360-degree lighting of CFLs.
The blue light frequency from LEDs can damage the
retina if you are prone to macular issues due to genes,
age, comorbidity, diabetes and high blood pressure.
Choosing The Best House Lights
Out of the 4 types of artificial lighting, LEDs are safer if
they come with inbuilt protection unit. White LED
lighting definitely has lesser lead and arsenic than its
high-intensity red light counterparts. So, choose the
white option with the right wattage and brightness
depending on the space within each room. Do not
unnecessarily go for excess brightness which can be damaging in the long run.
Make sure the lights are
enough for reading, especially during the night.
If your home has enough natural lighting, make sure to
take advantage of it during the day. Avoid switching on
artificial lights during the day if you get enough natural
sunlight. If you are constructing a new home, spend
some time understanding the best way to maximize
natural light. Ask your architect to suggest skylight
windows at better locations so that your entire house
can be filled with sunlight during the day.
FACTS4U
