Are Flickering LED Lights Dangerous?

Last updated on March 8, 2024

Customers using LED lighting technology frequently ask this question as the widespread integration of this new lighting technology in homes, schools, factories, companies, and offices has increased drastically over the years.

Although LEDs offer smart, energy-efficient, and long-term solutions, they suffer from a major issue that has recently emerged, which is flickering LED lights.

It has rightfully increased concerns among users regarding their health and overall well-being.

Decoding the potential hazards and risks that arise from a flickering LED has become an essential objective for consumers, businesses, and regulatory bodies alike.

LED flicker refers to the phenomenon of a rapid change in the intensity of the light, as it repeats the cycles of dim and bright phases of light emitted so rapidly that, in the beginning, it may not be noticeable to the naked eye.

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However, long periods of exposure to flickering can put the individual’s overall well-being at great risk

Below are some of the Risks and hazards associated with flickering LED lights, which if not rectified, may cause damage to the well-being of consumers.

1. Health Effects

Flickering LED lights can be the cause of various health issues, including: headaches, eyestrain, and fatigue. Long exposure to flickering lights may intensify these symptoms, especially in people who are prone to sensitivity or with preexisting conditions such as migraines or epilepsy.

2. Discomfort and distraction

Flickering LED lights can be the culprit behind unexplained discomfort and distraction.

It can eventually hinder overall levels of productivity. Especially in workplaces or educational environments where concentration is extremely crucial for success. Moreover, flickering LEDs may promote anxiety and irritability in some individuals

3. The risk of photosensitivity and seizure

Some individuals, especially those who suffer from photosensitivity and epilepsy, may have seizures triggered by flickering lights. The rapid alternations in the intensity of light emitted can provoke such seizures, putting the individual’s safety and health at great risk.

4. Disruption of the Circadian Rhythms

LED flicker, particularly in artificial lighting used indoors, can disrupt circadian rhythms and hence sleep patterns. Prolonged exposure to flickering LED lights, especially during the nighttime, can lead to low melatonin levels, which will consequently compromise the quality of sleep and overall health.

5. Performance and safety Hazards

In environments where consistent and precise lighting is required, such as hospitals, manufacturing facilities, or transportation systems, flickering LED lights can greatly compromise operational safety and performance.

For example, flickering lights in healthcare environments may jeopardize medical operations, patient care, and staff efficiency.

Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory agencies and standards organizations have recognized the importance of addressing the issues of flickering led lights, in hopes of dealing with and properly addressing issues of public safety and health concerns.

Now guidelines and safety standards have been set by the regulatory authorities to limit flicker levels in LED lighting products and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Mitigation Strategies

Manufacturers can now take specific measures and implement various techniques to reduce LED flicker, which includes driver circuitry, implementing dimming controls, and adhering to flicker-free design principles.

Moreover, customers can select the brands that are certified to meet standards and specifications

In Summary: Are Flickering LED Lights a Safety Concern?

We can conclude that LED lights have many benefits to offer such as low operating cost and long-lasting lifetimes, however, LED flicker has raised valid concerns among users, specifically with regards to its potential effects on their health, safety, and overall well-being.

Addressing these concerns has never been a high priority, and it requires an agreement between manufacturers, regulators, healthcare professionals, and customers alike to implement strategies that can minimize LED flicker, and to promote awareness about the risk of flickering LEDs.

This can be achieved by prioritizing flicker-free lighting solutions and setting norms and standards, in order for stakeholders to significantly reduce the problems caused by flickering LED lights and to ensure lighting environments are safe, comfortable, and supportive of human health and performance.