European Commission Scientific Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging Risks SCHEER Preliminary Opinion on Potential risks to human health of Light Emitting Diodes
“Published studies show that the blue light-weighted (for eyes) radiance from screens is less than 10% of the blue light photochemical retinal hazard limit, assuming viewing greater than about 3 hours (acute exposure), see Annex IV Dosimetry.
The search of the literature for the long-term impact of LED emissions on human health did not identify any studies since the technology has been recently distributed on the market for the general population. Because the technology is still evolving, it is important to continue monitoring the scientific literature. The SCHEER concludes that the available scientific research does not provide evidence for health hazards to the eye or skin associated with LEDs when the total exposure is below the international agreed eposure limits (ICNIRP).
However, issues in terms of flicker, dazzle, distraction and glare may occur. It is expected that the risk of direct adverse effects will increase if these limits are exceeded. However, there is insufficient information in the scientific literature on the dose-response relationship for adverse health effects for optical radiation exposure of the healthy general public.
In addition, no evidence was found for increased risk of photosensitivity from LED lamps when compared with other lighting technologies. Indeed, the absence of ultraviolet radiation from general LED lamps may reduce the risk of photosensitivity for a number of these conditions.”
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SCHEER has invited all interested parties to submit written comments by 17th September 2017.
LightAware will be submitting a response and would encourage anyone working with or affected by LED to do likewise.