In an era dominated by artificial light sources, the topic of photobiological safety is becoming increasingly relevant—both from a health perspective and in terms of legal regulations. Special attention should be paid to LED lighting which, although widely recognized as energy-efficient and modern, may carry health risks related to blue light radiation.
What is blue light and why does it matter?
Visible light, which we perceive as white, is actually a mixture of electromagnetic radiation of various wavelengths. Among them, blue light (wavelengths between 400–500 nm) plays a significant role. It occurs naturally in sunlight but is increasingly emitted by artificial sources—screens, monitors, and LED lighting.
The effects of blue light on the human body are multifaceted. On the one hand, it helps regulate the circadian rhythm, improves concentration, and is used in phototherapy. On the other hand, excessive exposure can lead to eye strain, headaches, sleep disturbances, and in extreme cases—retinal damage.
Blue light in LED lamps – when can it be harmful?
LEDs have become a popular light source in homes, offices, and public spaces. Although generally considered safe, their construction—which relies on blue light emission covered with a phosphor layer—means that some models, especially those with high color temperatures (so-called "cool" light), may emit significant amounts of blue light.
A high concentration of the blue component in white light can pose a risk to eyesight, especially during prolonged close-range exposure, potentially leading to retinal damage. Possible effects include:
- Photochemical retinal damage – manifesting as a “blind spot” or vision loss areas, often occurring several hours after exposure.
- Thermal damage – occurring immediately after exposure, also resulting in impaired vision with limited regeneration potential.
Standards and regulations – mandatory safety testing
In response to the growing prevalence of LED light sources, the European Union has implemented a series of regulations aimed at protecting users' health. One of these is the PN-EN 62471:2010 standard, which is an integral part of the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) and concerns the photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems.
According to this standard, any light source placed on the market must be tested for potential hazards and classified into one of four risk groups:
- RG0 (no risk)
- RG1 (low risk)
- RG2 (moderate risk)
- RG3 (high risk)
Zgodnie z normą EN 60598-1 jeśli oprawę zaliczamy do grupy RG2 należy na samej oprawie jak i w instrukcji umieścić stosowne informacje „Nie wpatrywać się w pracujące źródło światła” wraz z piktogramem:
Making an informed lighting choice
When purchasing an LED lamp or fixture, we usually pay attention to wattage, light color, or energy efficiency class. However, equally important – and often overlooked – are aspects related to photobiological safety.
Improperly selected lighting can affect not only vision but also overall well-being, sleep rhythm, concentration, and work efficiency.
Responsibility of manufacturers and distributors
If you are a manufacturer or distributor of light sources—remember: photobiological safety testing is not optional, but a legal requirement. In the absence of proper testing, it is necessary to commission it from an external laboratory. Only then is it possible to reliably assign a risk group and place a safe product on the market. At RCC we conduct such tests and offer consultations to help ensure regulatory compliance and safe usage.
