In this latest video from MedCram, Dr. Seheult discusses what has been happening with the light bulbs in our homes and at work.
In recent years, LED bulbs have become the go-to choice for most homes, thanks to their efficiency. But a new rule from the Department of Energy (DOE) set to take effect in 2028 could drastically change the types of light bulbs available for purchase, and possibly have unintended consequences for your health. Let’s break down the story behind the rule, what it means for your light bulbs, and why it matters for your well-being.
The Role of Light in Our Lives
Since humans first appeared on Earth, we’ve been interacting with light. The sunlight we experience every day provides a broad spectrum of light, including visible light (the one we can see), as well as invisible light like ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR). UV light helps our bodies produce vitamin D, while IR light has been shown to provide health benefits, including penetrating deeply into our bodies and supporting mitochondrial function and metabolic changes.
Before the introduction of electric lighting, humans relied on natural sunlight. But with the invention of the incandescent light bulb in the late 1800s, we created a new light source that mimicked sunlight, including its infrared component. Fast-forward to today, and most homes are lit by LEDs that emit light only in the visible spectrum, without the added infrared light humans have evolved to benefit from.
The New Department of Energy Rule: What’s Changing?
The Department of Energy’s new rule, effective July 2028, is designed to make light bulbs more energy-efficient by setting stricter standards. While this is great for reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gases, it also means that lighting will continue to shift away from the full spectrum of light humans need. The new rule sets a minimum of 125 lumens per watt, which could further limit the natural wavelengths of light emitted from bulbs.
To meet these higher efficiency standards, bulb manufacturers will likely reduce or eliminate the red and infrared wavelengths that provide health benefits. Essentially, the changes will leave us with a narrower spectrum of light—mainly blue light, which could disrupt our circadian rhythms and lead to a range of health issues.
The Problem with LED Light Bulbs
While LEDs are praised for their efficiency, they have drawbacks. For one, they emit a disproportionate amount of blue light, which can be problematic, especially when used at night. Too much blue light exposure after sunset disrupts our sleep by interfering with melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep.
Additionally, LED bulbs emit very little infrared light, which could be problematic for our health, as infrared light is known to help regulate metabolic processes in the body.
What Does This Mean for Your Health?
The shift away from incandescent bulbs and the increased prevalence of LED lighting could have serious consequences for our health, particularly in our indoor environments. We spend approximately 93% of our time indoors, so the lighting we choose is more important than ever. Without proper infrared light and with the dominance of blue light, we risk:
- Sleep Disruption: Excessive blue light exposure, especially in the evening, can disrupt our circadian rhythms, making it harder to fall asleep.
- Health Conditions: Disruptions in sleep are linked to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other health issues.
- Lack of Infrared Light: Infrared light, which is naturally found in sunlight, is crucial for mitochondrial function and metabolic health. A lack of it in artificial lighting could have long-term health implications.
The DOE’s Efficiency Standards and the Impact on Lighting
The DOE’s current standards, which require bulbs to produce a minimum of 45 lumens per watt, effectively banned most incandescent bulbs, which emit a broad spectrum of light, including infrared. In 2028, the new efficiency rule will make it even more difficult for bulb makers to incorporate the broad spectrum of light that humans have evolved to need.
This would result in a world where most light bulbs are extremely energy-efficient but lack the natural light spectrum—leading to potential long-term health effects. It would also likely eliminate light bulbs designed to protect your circadian rhythms, such as those with no blue light for nighttime use, or those providing red light for healthy sleep.
What Can We Do?
As the situation stands, the new DOE rule in 2028 will essentially standardize a narrow, blue-dominant lighting spectrum. While these bulbs might save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, they overlook the significant impact of light on human health. So, what can we do?
- Advocate for New Legislation: The most effective way to prevent this rule from going into effect is through new legislation. This would require support from 60 votes in the Senate.
- Create a New Classification: Another potential solution is to create a new classification of bulbs, such as “General Wellness Lamps,” which would not be subject to the restrictive regulations but would still provide a broader, healthier light spectrum.
- Increase Awareness: Many people aren’t aware of the potential health risks of LED lighting and the impact of the DOE’s new rules. Sharing this information with others and advocating for changes is crucial to ensuring healthier lighting options remain available.
The changes in lighting regulations, although intended to increase energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact, could come with unintended consequences for our health. By pushing for new standards that consider both energy efficiency and human health, we can work toward a future where lighting is both sustainable and beneficial for our well-being.
Until then, it’s essential to remember that, regardless of the bulb you use in your home, it’s still critical to get outside. Natural sunlight provides the broad spectrum of light your body craves, including infrared, which is nearly impossible to replicate with artificial lighting.
So, as we approach 2028, let’s raise our voices for healthier lighting and take proactive steps toward balancing efficiency with well-being.
LINKS / REFERENCES:
The New DOE rule set to go into effect in July 2028 (DOE) | https://t.co/QutS3p34eX
Email address of the Department of Energy (DOE) | mailto:the.secretary@hq.doe.gov
House of Representatives (US House of Representatives) | https://www.house.gov/representatives…
United States Senate (US Senate) | https://www.senate.gov/senators/senat…