ANSES opinion on the potential risk of LEDs on the health of humans and fauna and flora

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The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) produced a report assessing the risks associated with the use of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). The report also provided recommendations aimed at better protection of human health and the environment. LED lighting can be found in all aspects of modern society including personal devices with visual displays (e.g. phones and tablets), toys, car lights and outdoor and house lighting systems. The ANSES assessed evidence of whether the blue light content and temporal light modulation (flickering) properties of LEDs could increase the risk of potential health effects of this lighting source. The opinion focused on the major risks to human health and biodiversity of fauna and flora. 

The report concluded that there was some evidence that LEDs, particularly types rich in blue light, may affect both circadian rhythm and diseases of the eye. However, this evidence is not strong enough to calculate the level of risk. Little research has been done on the effects of modulation and there is limited evidence of symptoms such as migraines and epileptic attacks. The research on biodiversity was limited and relied on studies of all artificial lighting, not specifically LEDs. There was some evidence that lighting could affect biodiversity, however, it was not clear to what extent lighting is associated with any reported effects, with other important confounding factors such as pollution, habitat reduction, climate change and environmental overexploitation needing to be considered.

ANSES opinion on the potential risk of LEDs on the health of humans and fauna and flora

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While there is research showing potential health effects of exposure to LED lighting, it is not clear if the impacts are from the effect of exposure to the light or other factors. This is particularly evident with the potential impact of blue light on the circadian rhythm. Research indicates that blue light exposure from phones and tablets in the evening can affect sleep quality; however, it is not clear if this is a result of the activity being carried out or the blue light exposure. The Scientific Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging Risks (SCHEER, 2018) had recently reviewed the evidence on the effects of LEDs on human health. ARAPNSA also reviewed the SCHEER opinion as part of our radiation literature survey in 2018. SCHEER concluded that the available scientific research does not support an association between LEDs and a health risk to the eye or skin. However, in common with the ANSES report, disruption to circadian rhythm was identified as a potential effect. Distraction and other optical phenomena (e.g. phantom array effect) from LEDs incorporating temporal light modulation was also identified as an indirect risk factor for harm in both the ANSES and SCHEER reports.