Are LED Lights Safe?

A woman replacing an LED light in a lighting fixture.

LED lights have quickly become a popular choice among homeowners in the United States. LEDs, which is an abbreviation for “light-emitting diodes,” are known to produce more light than incandescent light bulbs.

Of course, many people have become skeptical of this lighting option. So, this begs the question: are LED lights safe? Should you be using these products in your home and around your household? As a homeowner, you only want the best for your family. It’s important to know whether or not LED lights are harmful.

Fortunately, we’re here to address your concerns. Let’s discuss whether or not LED lights can have harmful effects on your health.

Are LED Lights Harmful to Your Health?

The short answer to this question is no, LED light bulbs aren’t bad for your health. In fact, modern LED lights are safe to use — just like any other type of light you decide to install in your home.

Of course, it’s understandable if you still have questions about these lights. For example, there are many concerns about the blue light emitted from LEDs and whether or not this light can negatively affect your eyes. We’ll address some of the most common concerns in more detail below.

Worries About Blue Light

Although we’ve mentioned that LED lights are safe to use, you might still be wondering about the potentially harmful effects of blue light. It’s important to realize that blue light is around us every day — it’s naturally present in sunlight and helps you feel more awake.

Since blue light can help us feel more alert, exposing ourselves to a large amount of blue light can potentially have an impact on our circadian rhythms. As you may or may not know, some of the most common blue light sources include phones and laptops. The best way to avoid disruption to your sleep schedule is to shut off your electronic devices an hour or two before bed. Give your eyes a chance to rest.

When it comes down to it, the biggest threat blue light poses is a disruption to your sleep. There’s a myth that exposure to blue light can eventually lead to age-related macular degeneration. However, the amount of blue light present in LED lighting technology isn’t likely to cause any serious damage to your eyes.

Certain LEDs have more blue light than others, so it’s important to watch which ones you purchase. You’ll want to think about choosing warm white LEDs since they have less blue light in their light spectrum.

Questions About Eye Strain

Some people believe that LED lights are harmful because they flicker slightly. This flicker is criticized for its supposed ability to lead to eye strain, migraines, and even seizures. However, it’s important to point out that these conditions are only a concern for those with high sensitivity or those prone to seizures.

If you’re worried about eye strain, the best solution is to manage how much time you stare at a screen. The longer you gaze at your phone or computer, the higher your chance becomes for eye strain.

Concerns About Toxicity

Are LED lights harmful because they contain toxic materials? No. LEDs are no more harmful than incandescent bulbs or fluorescent lighting. When shopping for modern LED lights, you’ll be pleased to know that they don’t contain any potentially toxic substances.

Benefits of LED Lights

Although you might have started off wondering if LED lights are harmful, you might now be wondering how you can benefit from installing them in your home. After all, these lights are safe to use — and they can have many advantages attached to them.

For starters, LEDs are known for being highly energy efficient. The higher the energy efficiency, the more energy you can potentially save. These lights are also known for their long lifespans, versatility, and easy installation.

Upgrade Your Home’s Lighting With RR Electric

The straightforward answer is yes — LED lights are safe to use. Of course, it’s a good idea to have moderation in mind when using your phone, tablet, or laptop since staring at a screen could lead to eye strain if you aren’t careful. With this being said, you don’t have to worry about LED lights being toxic for your family to be around.

There are many reasons to install LED lighting in your home. If you’re ready to get started, turn to the experienced team at RR Electric! Our electricians in Simi Valley, Moorpark, Westlake Village, and neighboring communities, are happy to walk you through your installation options and will help you find energy-efficient lighting that meets your needs.

Whether you’re searching for an outlet repair expert or a recessed lighting installer, you can count on our professionals to get the job done right. Contact us today to learn more about our services!