New LRC Study Evaluates the Blue-Light Hazard From Solid-State Lighting

October 23, 2017

The introduction of solid-state lighting using LED technology has ignited widespread interest in the ways that lighting can offer benefits to people, including improved visibility at night, enhanced perceptions of brightness and security, and spectral tuning for management of circadian rhythms. Yet, as illustrated in a recent report from the American Medical Association (AMA), the increasing popularity of LED lighting is also raising new questions and reviving older concerns about unwanted impacts of these light sources, such as light pollution, discomfort glare, circadian disruption, and retinal damage via a mechanism known as blue-light hazard.

A new study from the Lighting Research Center (LRC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute takes a practical, quantitative approach to evaluating light sources for blue-light hazard. Results of the study are published in the International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, in an article titled, “Evaluating the Blue-Light Hazard from Solid State Lighting.”

In the study, LRC researchers John Bullough, Andrew Bierman and Mark Rea evaluate the spectral radiant power characteristics of incandescent, fluorescent, LED and daylight sources in terms of current blue-light hazard calculation procedures from the Illuminating Engineering Society and the Commission Internationale de l´Éclairage. The paper provides comparative data to allow meaningful and quantitative comparisons among light sources commonly experienced indoors and outdoors. Particular attention is given to use cases that could potentially affect blue-light hazard.

The study results showed that in the majority of use cases, LEDs do not exhibit greater risk for blue-light hazard than other light sources, including incandescent. LEDs present no special concerns for blue-light hazard over other common light sources in typical use cases because our natural photophobic responses, such as squinting and averting the gaze, limit exposure to bright light. Where photophobic responses might not occur, such as during eye surgery or with premature infants, caution is needed.

Some organizations, such as the AMA, have advised against using LEDs with correlated coloUr temperature (CCT) exceeding 3000K. However, the LRC study found that avoiding blue-light hazard is primarily related to controlling the radiance of light sources, and much less related to spectral distribution, particularly when expressed in terms of CCT. The LRC study authors note that CCT should not be used as a metric for characterizing the potential for blue-light hazard, citing the fact that an incandescent filament at 2856K within a clear bulb is associated with a greater risk for blue-light hazard than any white LED source, including one of 6500K. The spectral radiance distribution must be known to estimate blue-light hazard, particularly for those cases where photophobic responses might not occur. In these cases, and indeed for general lighting applications, the study authors recommend the use of lenses, baffles, and diffusers to mitigate glare as the primary methods for reducing the risk of blue-light hazard.

Learn more

Participants at more than 200 locations around the world took part in the LRC’s March 2017 webinar, which presented practical, scientific advice to address the issues raised in the AMA report, including blue-light hazard. A video of the webinar is available at https://youtu.be/2BcfcONrm58.The presentation slides are available at www.lrc.rpi.edu/resources/newsroom/AMA_presentation.pdf.

In June 2016, immediately following the release of the AMA report on LED lighting, the LRC issued a brief written response to inform rational discourse. The document is available at www.lrc.rpi.edu/resources/newsroom/AMA.pdf.

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • July 10, 2025 - Mac’s II Agencies Announce Addition to Project & Specification Sales Team

    Mac’s II Agencies Announces Addition to Project & Specification Sales Team

    Mac’s II Agencies is pleased to announce that Drazen Jerkovic will be joining their Project & Specification Sales team in the Lighting Division later this fall. With over 25 years of experience in the lighting and electrical industry, Drazen is a highly respected consultant known for his technical knowledge and deep understanding of project delivery. His recent role… Read More…

  • Noramco-Announces-Samantha-Boernsen-as-New-Regional-Sales-Manager-Winnipeg

    Noramco Announces Samantha Boernsen as New Regional Sales Manager, Winnipeg

    Please join Noramco in welcoming Samantha Boernsen as Regional Sales Manager, Winnipeg! Samantha brings a wealth of experience in the electrical industry, with a strong focus on lighting, marketing strategy, and customer engagement. She has built her career on connecting technical expertise with real-world application, making her a trusted partner to clients and colleagues alike.… Read More…


Design

  • Infrastructure Lighting Fixtures: Why Scale Matters

    Infrastructure Lighting Fixtures: Why Scale Matters

    In infrastructure projects, the size and scale of outdoor lighting fixtures are critical—not just for aesthetics, but for functionality, safety, and long-term performance. Whether lighting a streetscape, transit hub, or civic plaza, appropriately scaled fixtures help create environments that are both visually coherent and effectively illuminated. Public lighting plays a role in shaping how spaces… Read More…

  • What You Need to Consider When Choosing Data Center Lighting

    What You Need to Consider When Choosing Data Center Lighting

    When operating a data center, the lighting syst​em is often not the most concerned part. Actually, lighting system performance directly influences whole electricity consumption and operating costs, especially in a 24-hour non-stop data center. This article will delve into the key factors to be considered when choosing data center lighting. For enterprises that are planning to… Read More…


New Products

  • SATCO|NUVO: LED T12 Lamps

    SATCO|NUVO: LED T12 Lamps

    SATCO|NUVO’s LED T12 ballast compatible lamps are direct replacements for T12 linear fluorescent. Offered in a frosted white finish, these lamps are also PET coated and NSF rated. Conveniently sold in two-packs, these lamps make replacing traditional tubes an easy choice. Suggested applications include shop light fixtures, laundry room, utility closets, and garages. Read More…

  • BOLD: Prism Recessed Outdoor Fixture – RL-PRISM-60-BK

    BOLD: Prism Recessed Outdoor Fixture – RL-PRISM-60-BK

    The Prism is part of BOLD’s high-end, durable, and modern 60mm (2 3/8″) recessed fixtures. With its 93 CRI, hexagonal design, partially covered light source, and 360-degree warm glow, you can create unique ambient lighting effects and modern designs, minus the glare. You can safely walk or drive over these raised recessed lights: their low-profile… Read More…