LED & 'Blue light'. The health concerns.
Typical LEDs used in driving lights are short wavelength (blue light) and in configurations of extreme high intensity (HEV). The concerns of 'blue light' in (AMD) acute macular degeneration is increasingly a hot topic in the field of optometry. Dr. Shelby Temple, Phd, a visual neuro scientist shares his insights about BLUE LIGHT. The information discussed is very much in the public interest and could be a fore warning of what is to come. ARTICLE > HERE. Audio interview (24 minutes) > HERE.
Dr. Shelby Temple, a visual neuro scientist, explains 'WHY' BLUE LIGHT sources are a legitimate concern re your health. This applies for direct and indirect light. Consider the intensity of driving lights with brands and media forever hyping ever increasing outputs seemingly unaware or unwilling to acknowledge this evidence.
Follow the RELEVANT research re 'blue light'.
FYRLYT encourages people to follow the ever increasing independent research re 'blue light' in HIGH OUTPUT devices. Be aware the research re smart phones, tablets and domestic devices can potentially mislead you. Why? The LIGHT INTENSITY in these devices is typically quoted 0.6-2.1 lux and considered to be safe, not withstanding the effects re impacts on circadian rhythms. LED driving lights at 50 metres, range between 254 and 888 times this level. This is not just about direct light of oncoming vehicles but your own forward projected light. With any 'expert' research always consider if there is any potential commercial bias re funding it or other profit driven agendas.
The AMA & ANSES 'blue light' reports.
The A.M.A., American Medical Association report was published in 2016, ANSES, first published in 2010 and recently followed up in 2019 reaffirming their original position. ANSES is the Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety reporting to the French government. AMA REPORT HERE. The ANSES REPORT (pdf) HERE.
Truck Drivers / High Usage / OHS.
For truck drivers it is obvious the importance of effective safe lighting for driving at night. The properties and performance of auxiliary driving lights when switched to high beam are vital to consider re driver safety and other road users. What are the long term consequences? What are these choices imposing on employed drivers or owners and their potential liabilities?
Driving light performance? Risk mitigation.
Let us focus on the basic considerations re driving light performance regardless of vehicle type. We assume the light that has relevant distance and volume. 1: Does the light resolve enough detail to minimise response time? 2: Does the light create glare or distraction resulting in eye discomfort? 3: Does the light cause undue fatigue? 4: Is there any immediate or potential long term residual damage caused by the light source?
Research consideration & conclusion.
FYRLYT acknowledges that at this point there are no human trials proving LED driving lights are causing harm. However it is interesting to note the parallels Dr Shelby Temple references with respects to tobacco human trials in the video below. The growing concern from independent authorities ought to be heeded that perhaps until more is known a conservative position would be more prudent to adopt. Most of the debate has been centred around smart phones and tablets which have very low luminous intensity and the general consensus is it is not going to cause harm beyond effecting the circadian rhythm. It is clear from the preliminary research that extremely bright blue rich light sources might have the potential to cause harm in particular with substantial exposure. It is important to note that high performance driving lights can exceed the luminous intensity of a smart device by a factor of in excess of eight hundred times. Before you commit employees, yourself, family and friends to super bright blue rich high intensity light sources look at the research beyond smart phones such as the information Dr. Temple generously shares in the public interest.