From the visible light spectrum, blue light is short wavelength high-energy visible light. Its natural source is the Sun and artificial sources include digital screens (laptop, smartphone, TV, etc.) and LED and fluorescent light bulbs. Unlike other forms of light, blue light cannot be filtered well by our eyes and most of it actually pass through eye to the retina, thereby causing harm to eyes (especially retina) when prolonged exposure is there to the blue light and such medical issue is termed as ‘Blue Light Hazard’.
If proper precautionary measures are taken, risks from blue light exposure (sleep disruption, mental health degradation, etc.) can be minimized at the workplaces such as greenhouse industry. In some countries like Netherlands, France, Germany, and some other, proper rules and regulations are made related to blue light exposure, appropriate exposure time, safety measures, health risks associated, etc. which give standard parameters for working areas involving blue light usage.
In greenhouse industry, where LED lights play crucial role, reducing the risk of blue light hazard becomes one of the major concerns in such setup. Growers check the risk group of the LED fixture via the manufacturer, ranging from RG0 to RG3 (RG3 products being the high risk ones, are not permitted in working areas). In areas having RG2 products, one should never look directly into that light source and keep distance from it as prescribed in the safety measures. Also, a warning sign should be installed there and regular health checkup programs of workers in such areas must be conducted to assist them in their health related aspects.
How much exposure do you have to blue light (per day basis), keeping in view today’s scenario of over-screentime, working on laptop and smartphone all day long, or any other related situation. What measures do you take on individual basis to keep blue light issues at bay?
MBH/PS