LED: Pros And Cons of Cutting-Edge Lighting

July 13, 2019

LED: Pros And Cons of Cutting-Edge Lighting

LEDs are dominating the lighting market with their versatility and cost-effectiveness. Does that mean people should ride on this trend? Will this lead us to a more economical and eco-friendly life? This article will help to shed some ‘LED light’ on this matter.

What is LED

LED stands for Light Emitting Diode, an electric component that emits light when connected to direct current.[1] The first LED light that scientists discovered in 1907 was yellowish. However, it was not until 1994 that, LED lighting became commercialized. By that time, scientists had figured out how to produce LED light with multiple colors at low costs. Merely in 2018, the global LED indoor lighting market represented a USD 15.87 billion industry.

In comparison with its incandescent and fluorescent predecessors, LED lightbulbs enjoy a longer lifespan and higher economy. Per market standards, LED lamps last up to 40,000 hours compared to 10,000 hours for fluorescent lamps and 1,000 hours for incandescent. LEDs also save more energy, an 800-lumen(the amount of light given) LED light bulb only consumes 9 to 12 watts, 5 times less than incandescent ones.[2]

Other Advantages?

Maximum Brightness

LED lightbulbs reach their maximum luminosity at the moment they are turned on. More than that, they also withstand frequent on and off switching. They are able to provide reliable light sources without reaching their full capacity and present versatile applications: domestic lights, stage lights, vehicle lights, you name it.

Compact Size

LED lamps are compact, which makes them a perfect replacement of the halogen spots and downlights fixed in ceilings. The LED modules, which are directly installed in light sources, can also integrate electronic control then be turned into fundamental units in presence light sensors.

Resilience and Stability

LED bulbs function smoothly under low tension (voltage) and low temperatures which enhances the safety of electrical systems of households.

In addition, the temperature of LED bulbs is relatively stable. Compared to the heat of incandescent bulbs (150°C) and fluorescent bulbs (70°C), LED bulbs are able to remain at about 32°C under certain circumstances.

LEDs are also insensitive to shocks and capable of emitting various colors without any filters. That is why they have gradually become the premier choice for gaming machines, like the ones we see in casinos.

The versatility of LED lighting

So… any drawbacks for LED?

Functional Constraints

As mentioned, one advantage of LED lighting is that bulb temperatures remain stable throughout certain environmental conditions. However, in regard to public lighting, which sometimes requires high-power light sources, not every LED bulb meets the standard. The problem of overheating that is common when light bulbs are accumulated to increase brightness is also prevalent within LED applications.

Industrial Pollution

Diversified materials are used to manufacture LEDs. Research by scientists of University of California Irvine has found that among the LED products we’ve been using, such as Christmas lights or car headlights, some low-intensity red LEDs contain the highest lead, a known neurotoxin. On the other hand, white lights contain the least lead, but still possess a large amount of nickel, a substance known for causing allergy. Data suggest that one in five individuals are likely to be affected upon exposure.[3] Furthermore, without proper recycling of the light bulbs, the accumulative effect of other materials like copper, gallium, and indium, composes an environmental hazard as their presence is a serious threat to the entire ecosystem.

Blue Light Myth

The danger of LED lights to our health, in particular, the effect of blue light, a color with short wavelengths that produces higher amounts of energy in the visible light spectrum, has drawn increased public attention. A report published by ANSES[4] has warned that “exposure to the light rich in blue wavelengths at night, even subtle, can disrupt the biological rhythm and sleep cycles. Children and adolescents whose eyes are incapable to filter most of the blue lights are recommended to limit the use of computers and smartphones before their sleep.”[5]

Although this might not be breaking news to the public, what worth to point out is that LEDs do not emit “more” blue light compared to other light sources, such as sunlight, which contains 10 times greater amounts of blue light. In addition, consumer electronics generally are not harmful to the eye’s retina with their regulated light emission.[6]

Nevertheless, even though industrial sources of blue light are purposely filtered or shielded to protect users, it is still considered extremely unwise to stare into any high-power LED light source. This is simply because their brightness can still hurt the eyes.

The 'visible' threat behind the screens

Takeaway

It is foreseeable that LED will continue to take the leading role in the lighting market and gradually replaces the traditional light sources. Nevertheless, one inarguable fact is that those LED lights behind the screens in our daily life will likely degrade our sleep quality and put strains on our eyeballs under excessive use. That is why no matter what kind of light bulbs we finally choose, putting ourselves in the dark - dimming the bedroom lights and staying away from the smartphones - before bedtime will grant us a great night sleep.

By Chris Chang x Green News Taiwan