Do LED Lights Emit UV Radiation?
Do LED Lights Produce UV?
Technology with its advantages and positive effect on our lives’ qualities is always a subject of argument among scientists and physicians. There are products which have made our life easy but sometimes bring their potential issues too. For example, there are always different opinions about LEDs. Do their lights have a negative effect on children and teenager’s growth? Do using these LEDs in our environment damage to our eyesight? Or a more serious question, do LEDs produce ultraviolet?
What is Ultraviolet?
We probably hear about UV or Ultraviolet when buying sunglasses more than other times. Doctors believe that we must not look at the sunlight directly and it’s necessary to wear sunglasses in open areas all year round especially in spring and summer in order to save our eyes. UV is electromagnetics energy which comes from the sun. This ray is so dangerous. It can burn skin and hurt human eyes. This ray produces high level of energy and distributed to three ranges A, B & C. Range A is related to LED lamps and lights, range B is the hottest and the most dangerous one and range C is absorbed by Ozone layer and earth atmosphere.
It is good to know that Ultraviolet which cannot be seen by human eyes is not just dangerous and it has natural usage and benefits too. This ray can kill especial bacteria or is useful in disinfecting and purification of huge amounts of water. It is also used for knowing fake or real banknotes and recognition of precious stones and jewelry.
LEDs’ Structure
Do LED’s have ultraviolet? Before answering this question, it is better to study general structure of LEDs. These kind of lamps are made without using Mercury so they are considered as green and ecofriendly products. Of course, a little lead is used in their structure but because they are without mercury, we understand that these kinds of lamps comparing different types of Fluorescent lamps, cause less problems in outdoor and indoor using as well as nature.
Another point that we have to consider is that LEDs are not breakable and this is an advantage comparing other lamps. Therefore, the metal in the lamp won’t enter to our personal environment and there will not be any pollution and hassle for us. It is important to note that the material of lamp bulb is effective too. In LED production, bulbs with strong structure and without glass will be used that will minimizes the probability of breaking and prevents chemical pollution.
Ultraviolet in LEDs: Fact or Gossip?
There is a good point when facing these kind of questions and while using technology in industrial world, zero or 100 percent answers are not the most appropriate and right ones. So if we have heard from different companies that LEDs don’t cause any problems for their consumers, know that it is not right at all. On the other hand, it is better to consider that LEDs are the safest lights among available lights in the market that we can purchase. This kind of lamp is the most economic choice among similar products, has the least amount of damage from the aspect of different rays and damages.
The fact is that LEDs produce very little amount of Ultraviolet but the important point is that little amount of the produced UV is radiated in outer environment. It is also said that this amount of UV will be the minimum in LEDs with yellow lights and comparing the white ones, the yellow light LEDs are safer too. The reason for radiating little amount of UV in LEDs is that a chemical change inside the lamp changes the UV nature. Phosphorus makes this ray to change to light and loses part of prior attributes in this process.
The noticeable point is that using LEDs in indoor areas can often help in protecting the area and furniture from UV too. Rugs, covered and colored furniture are usually in danger of loss or burning due to direct sunlight. LEDs in these areas can impede this process. Because of that, these kinds of lights are being used as a designing light for protecting precious objects in museums and great halls.
Summary
The fact is that the amount of UV in LEDs is much less than other types of lights in the market and the amount of radiated UV from LEDs is insignificant comparing the produced amount of that in the bulb. However, it is recommended to prioritize yellow LEDs because in these types, the amount of LEDs calculated as almost zero and comparing white LEDs which are more popular and being purchased more, are safer.