LED Vs. Fluorescent Light Therapy

Light therapy is now considered to be a first-line treatment for seasonal affective depression. It is also useful in treating the winter blues, pre-menstrual syndrome, other types of depression and sleep disorders.

Light therapy is administered in the home with the use of a light box. Choosing the right light box is crucial. One factor to consider is whether to purchase a light box that uses fluorescent light bulbs or light-emitting diode (LED) light bulbs.

Fluorescent Lights and Mercury

• Fluorescent light bulbs contain mercury inside of them. Mercury is a toxic substance that poses a hazard to humans if it is ingested, inhaled, or if it enters the skin. The mercury inside these bulbs is not a hazard unless the bulb breaks or is disposed of improperly. Fluorescent light bulbs should not be put in the daily trash. The EPA has issued clean-up guidelines for people to follow if a fluorescent light breaks in their home.

  LED lights do not contain any poison, breakage does not pose a threat, and they can be disposed of in the regular household trash.

Fluorescent vs. LED Light Boxes and Cost

• LED light bulbs are more expensive to produce than fluorescent and therefore, they cost more. Some light therapy boxes are made with LED lights, but these light boxes are much smaller than the fluorescent ones, to keep them affordable. The person using the LED light box will have less freedom of motion because it is easy to move the body out of the therapeutic light field.

Fluorescent Lights and Radio Frequency Radiaion

• Some fluorescent light bulbs, like compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL's) emit radio frequency radiation (RFR). Some people believe that a whole host of symptoms and illnesses are exacerbated by exposure to RFR. To date there is no conclusive scientific evidence to support the anecdotal evidence. However, people purchasing fluorescent lights can check with the manufacturer about whether the lights emit RFR. LED lights do not emit RFR.

Fluorescent Lights and UV Radiation

• Fluorescent lights can emit ultraviolet radiation (UV) that can be harmful to the skin. Light therapy boxes using fluorescent lights should come with a UV filter.

LED Lights and Glare

• Light treatment duration is usually 30 minutes per day. During that time, people often do things like eat breakfast or read. Some LED lights produce a great deal of glare, making the treatment experience unpleasant.

LED vs. Fluorescent Lights and Clinical Effectiveness

• Whether you purchase a LED light or a fluorescent light therapy box, make sure that the particular light has been tested in actual clinical trials and that is has been proven effective in such setting.