Many light sources, including LEDs and incandescent lamps, emit ultraviolet (UV), infrared, and blue and white light, which are potentially hazardous to human eyes and skin. The three parts of the body that can be affected by hazardous lights are the skin, the front of the eye (cornea, conjunctiva, and lens), and the retina at the back of the eye. The danger that affects the retina is ultraviolet light that causes denaturation of proteins and key biological components, leading to impaired vision and possible blindness and the need for glasses. What does this mean?
The photobiological effects caused by lamps and luminaires mean that suppliers have a great responsibility and must do everything possible to ensure the safety of their products. Many LED chip suppliers are already testing the photobiological effects. However, when we manufacture LED lamps and luminaires, the new system we have created has altered these test results. This raises serious questions when we buy LEDs. Has the provider performed tests to ensure security? If there is a claim in the future, where does the liability lie? Will the provider stay in business if a claim arises? Would this mean that the end user becomes responsible? This tells us that the vendor and end user should ensure they see evidence of testing for these effects. Test data should be part of your due diligence or bidding process.
There is currently a standard for the photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems, EN 62471:2008. Specifically, the standard specifies the exposure limits, reference measurement technique, and classification scheme for the evaluation and control of photobiological risks from all electrically powered incoherent broadband optical radiation sources, including LEDs.
The test standard provides us with a measurement scale categorized into Risk Groups (RG) depending on how dangerous the light source is. The larger the group, the more dangerous the photobiological effects. There are four RGs ranging from RG0 – RG3
So what about the growing popularity of LED lighting? LED lights are one of the fastest developing and energy efficient lighting technologies today and are used in many residential and commercial settings. LED or Light Emitting Diode lasts longer than conventional lighting and is more durable. LED lighting, compared to other forms of lighting, not only lasts longer than other forms of conventional lighting, but also offers better lighting quality and is much more efficient.
The future of this country is indeed brighter as LED lighting technology can significantly change the future of lighting in the UK. Good quality LED products use much less energy and last longer than regular incandescent lighting.
The LEDs are about the size of a pepper pinch, and typically a combination of red, green, and blue LEDs are used to generate white light. LEDs emit light in a specific direction, reducing the need for reflectors and diffusers that can catch light. This characteristic makes LEDs more efficient for many uses, such as recessed lighting and task lighting. With other types of lighting, the light must reflect in the desired direction, and more than half of the light may never leave the lamp. LEDs emit very little heat. By comparison, incandescent bulbs release 90% of their energy as heat.
LEDs are used in a wide variety of ways, both in commercial LED lighting and in standard residential use. The beauty of this is that as LED technology develops and improves, more and more people will use them, resulting in lower prices for products.
The highly efficient and directional nature of LEDs has made them a specific target for large companies. The amount of money that companies can save in their budgets makes a big difference, and therefore LED lighting for supermarkets, street lighting, garages, outdoor lighting areas, etc. are examples of companies that profit from all commercial LED lighting.
You will find many examples of LED lighting today where many of us can benefit from LED lighting in our daily lives. Under cabinet lighting in your kitchen is where many of us will find LEDs useful, and because LEDs are small and directional, we’ll find them useful for lighting kitchen countertops. Great for reading cookbook recipes!
Recessed lighting is another area where many of us use LEDs, in kitchens, hallways, bathrooms, etc. Of course, businesses can also use LEDs for downlighting in offices, hallways, and other commercial settings.
Of course, we also see LEDs used in Christmas lights. The LED lights used to illuminate Christmas trees and homes across the UK use less electricity and are also cooler than normal lighting, so we are at far less risk of children burning their fingers.
They are also much less likely to break as the lights are much sturdier and louder. LEDs used during the festive season also last longer and are much easier to use with multiple LED string lights that can be connected together and used constantly without overloading the socket.
