Studies have shown long-term exposure to fluorescent lighting can be a factor in a child’s behavior and academic performance.
Unhealthy elements of fluorescent lighting:
Color Spikes
Fluorescent lights emit waves of pronounced color spikes that can lead to the inability of the brain to process colors properly or make eyes very sensitive to artificial light sources. Fluorescent lighting used in schools often does not contain the full spectrum of colors that occur in natural sunlight or full spectrum LED lighting. This causes distractions between the eye and the brain, which can lead to reading, writing, and behavioral disorders.
Mercury
Fluorescent lamps contain Mercury, a dangerous chemical which is toxic to humans and the environment. It is particularly harmful to children and unborn babies.
UV Radiation
A by-product of Mercury is UV-A and UV-B radiation which deteriorates and yellows fixture lenses, fabrics, plastics, and printed surfaces such as signage and artwork.
Classroom Heat
Fluorescent lamps emit infrared heat which increases the temperature in a room, thus causing the cooling system in a facility to work harder. The Energy Focus LED lamp produces a better quality and more light using 50% less power with no heat factor, thereby saving the building 50% or more on energy and cooling costs.
Scotopic Sensitivity
Over 14% of the population is affected by Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, making reading and writing difficult. Many children may have difficulty reading because the words on the page appear to be moving, washing out, melting, and flipping. Though these children may have difficulty reading and writing, their intellectual level is high. This disability causes parents and teachers to assume the child is being inattentive in class or needs more reading and writing practice when, in fact, all the child needs is proper eye therapy which can be facilitated by replacing outdated fluorescent lighting with innovative LED lighting.
Mood and Experience
Quality lighting creates a specific mood for a classroom that is an integral part of learning, and enhances not only products but the entire experience of the store.
Create the Best Learning Experience in your School by Upgrading to LED Lighting. Download an Energy Savings Guide (pdf)
Contact Ideal Energy today for a Free Energy & LED Lighting Audit!