By Zoila Palma: A neuroscientist is raising concerns about the potential health effects of prolonged exposure to LED lighting, which has become increasingly common in homes, schools, hospitals and workplaces because of its energy efficiency.
Glen Jeffery, a professor of neuroscience at University College London, has warned that blue light emitted by LEDs could affect mitochondria, the structures within cells responsible for producing energy.
Jeffery’s concerns are based partly on studies involving animals. One study found that daily exposure to short-wavelength blue light reduced measures of mitochondrial activity in mice by about 50%, while separate research found that blue-enriched LED lighting affected activity, metabolism and liver function in mice.
Jeffery argues that changes to mitochondrial function could potentially influence processes throughout the body, although the available animal research does not establish that normal LED exposure causes diabetes or other metabolic disorders in humans.
Health authorities have taken a more cautious position.
The European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging Risks has concluded that there is no evidence of direct adverse health effects from LEDs when used normally by the general healthy population.
However, the committee noted that LEDs, like other light sources, can cause temporary discomfort and may affect the body’s sleep-wake cycle, while more research is needed to determine the long-term health implications of circadian disruption.
Jeffery has also investigated the potential effects of LED lighting on eyesight. In one study, adults exposed to broader-spectrum tungsten lighting for two weeks experienced improvements in color-contrast vision, while those exposed to standard LEDs did not. He recommends reducing reliance on LED lighting by balancing exposure with broader-spectrum light sources and spending regular time in natural sunlight.
The post International News: Neuroscientist raises concerns over potential health effects of LED lighting appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: A neuroscientist is raising concerns about the potential health effects of prolonged exposure to LED lighting, which has become increasingly common in homes, schools, hospitals and workplaces because of its energy efficiency. Glen Jeffery, a professor of neuroscience at University College London, has warned that blue light emitted by LEDs could affect
The post International News: Neuroscientist raises concerns over potential health effects of LED lighting appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
