Blue Lighting Effects

While florescent lights are a very efficient form of lighting, they also produce light with a bluish tint, and produce light in the ultraviolet spectrum. Researchers have been curious about the health effects of blue lighting, and how colors affects moods. The outcome of research is significant but incomplete, therefore research is ongoing.

Moods

• Research at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute on different colors of light revealed that blue and red light increased alertness and decreased sleepiness, as evidenced by brainwave changes. After the subjects were told to evaluate themselves (self-reports), they had positive views of themselves. This is significant. If you want to create a relaxed atmosphere, stay away from red and blue tinted lights.

Ocular Degeneration

• After much research, a link has been established between blue light in the UV-A spectrum and macular (eye) and retinal degeneration. Florescent light bulbs produce both bluish white light and light in the UV-A spectrum, which is invisible to the human eye. Researcher Elaine Kitchel, M.Ed, stated that society is using a lot of florescent lights in various applications, and that humans are exposed longer and more often.

Eye Irritant

• Researchers have discovered that blue light leads to a buildup of toxins inside the eye. This is because the receptors inside the retina have to work harder to pick up blue light, and as a result, expel more waste. This leads to eye irritation and a "glaring" effect after long term exposure to blue light.