Hey fellow parents! I know we’re all doing our best to create a healthy and sustainable environment for our kids, right? Recently, I’ve been researching the incandescent bulb ban and the impact it might have on our children’s health. It turns out that incandescent bulbs might actually offer some significant health benefits. So, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of these old-fashioned bulbs and how they compare to energy-efficient alternatives.
The Ban on Incandescent Light Bulbs
In an effort to save energy and protect the environment, incandescent light bulbs are being phased out worldwide. Governments are pushing for energy-efficient options like LED and CFL bulbs instead.[1] While these alternatives are great for reducing energy consumption and minimizing our carbon footprint, there may be some health benefits we’re missing out on by abandoning incandescent bulbs.
Incandescent Bulbs and Human Health
Did you know that incandescent and halogen bulbs emit a natural, full spectrum of light that closely resembles sunlight?[2] This full spectrum is essential for various aspects of our health, including mood, sleep, and visual comfort.
Incandescent bulbs are particularly beneficial for regulating our circadian rhythms, which are the body’s internal clock. Exposure to natural light helps synchronize our circadian rhythms, which is especially important for children who are developing healthy sleep patterns.[2] On the other hand, LED and CFL bulbs emit more blue light, which can disrupt sleep and cause other health issues.[2]
Helping Children Focus with Full Spectrum Light
Here’s something else to consider: full spectrum light can actually help our kids focus better. Studies have shown that exposure to natural light, or light sources that mimic the natural light spectrum can improve concentration and cognitive performance in children.[3-4] So, by using incandescent bulbs, we might be providing a more supportive environment for our little ones as they learn and grow.
Alternative Solutions
So, what can we do as parents to balance the environmental concerns with the health benefits of incandescent bulbs? One option is to use “warm” LED bulbs, which emit a warmer light spectrum with less blue light.[5] We can also use incandescent bulbs responsibly in specific areas of our homes where the health benefits outweigh the environmental impact.
In conclusion, while the ban on incandescent light bulbs is important for our planet, we need to consider the potential health benefits for our families. By understanding the consequences of the ban, we can make more informed decisions and create a healthy, sustainable living environment for our children.
References:
- The Hill. (n.d.). Energy Dept to ban sale of some light bulbs: Here’s why. Retrieved from https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/3932145-energy-dept-to-ban-sale-of-some-light-bulbs-heres-why/
- Health Lighting. (n.d.). Best Light Bulbs for Health. Retrieved from https://healthlighting.com/blogs/wellness/best-light-bulbs-for-health#:~:text=We%20suggest%20using%20incandescent%20or,of%20light%20for%20your%20eyes!
- Hathaway, Warren E. Ph. D., A study into the Effect of Types of Light on Children: A Case Daylight Robbery, 1992.
- Nicklas, Michael H. and Gary B. Bailey. Analysis of the Performance of Students in Daylit Schools. Innovative Design, Raleigh, North Carolina.
- Kim, W. J., Koo, Y. S., Park, S. Y., Kim, W. R., Kang, E. B., & Park, K. S. (2016). A comparative study on the visual comfort and energy saving of LED lighting considering correlated color temperature.
