10/08/2025
Aaniin!
Was a pleasure presenting with my manager, Cheyenne Nolan of the Community Development Department at last night's community meeting. As always, direct feedback from the community is always appreciated so today's post is to address a community member's question regarding health risks/facts regarding LED light.
A quick note for reference and clarity. The generally accepted health concerns associated with LED light, specifically the blue-rich light that is emitted, is the same risks associated with increased phone, tablet or computer screen time in the evening. This is why the display setting on our electronic devices have a daytime/nighttime mode and a setting to adjust coolness (more blue for daytime) or warmth (less blue in the evening). As with most things, the best defense for tackling health concerns is moderation and self-regulation of usage so always be mindful of electronics use in the evening times.
On to the post!
LED vs Fluorescent vs Incandescent, What You Should Know
Ever wonder how LED, fluorescent (CFL), and incandescent bulbs stack up? Here’s a simple comparison, plus what science says about potential health effects of LED lighting.
LEDs
• Use much less electricity than incandescent bulbs
• Lifespan: ~15,000 to 50,000 hours
• Instant-on, available in warm or cool lighting tones
Fluorescent / CFLs
• More efficient than incandescent, less than LED
• Contain small amounts of mercury — proper disposal is important
• Lifespan: ~8,000 to 15,000 hours
Incandescent
• Cheap to buy, but very inefficient
• Most energy is lost as heat
• Lifespan: ~1,000 to 2,000 hours
Health considerations & LED lighting
The main health concern confirmed in peer-reviewed literature is exposure to blue-rich light at night, which can suppress melatonin and disrupt the circadian rhythm, potentially leading to poorer sleep quality. In typical home lighting conditions, retinal damage from LED use is unlikely, though very intense or direct exposures are still studied. Using warm-color LEDs (around 2700–3000K) and reducing brightness in the evening can help.
To minimize risk and maximize benefits:
1. Use warm-color LEDs in living & sleeping areas (≈ 2700–3000 K)
2. Dim lights in the evening and avoid bright overhead lighting late at night
3. Use screen 'night modes' or blue-light filters on devices
Peer-reviewed Sources:
Light at Night, Sleep Deprivation, Melatonin, and Health — National Institutes of Health (PMC)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9420367/
Effects of Short-Wavelength and Broad-Band Light on Ocular Health — National Institutes of Health (PMC)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10052719/
Circadian Disruption and Health Outcomes: A Narrative Review of Light Exposure — SAGE Journals
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/23727322231193967
As always, if youve got any questions, concerns or any particular questions you'd like addressed or explored, reach out!
Miigwetch and Baamaapii
Evan Belleau
Energy Advisor, Community Development Department
(705)946-6300 ext. 225
[email protected]
