Artificial Lighting

You might think that artificial lighting is safe. After all, you’re indoors and away from harmful UV rays, right? Well, studies have shown that some artificial lights can actually include some ultraviolet and infrared spectrums, both of which can have potentially negative effects on your health, causing an unpleasant, warm or burning sensation on the skin, just like a sunburn.

While exposure to infrared light hasn’t been linked to cancer like UV light, the radiation given off by IR light can alter, disrupt, and even destroy cells. If you’re not sitting under artificial lights all day, you probably don’t have to worry. But, if you spend a lot of time in an environment – like an office setting – full of harsh artificial lighting, and you start to notice skin irritation, you may have found your culprit.

To reduce your risk of irritation, or worse, research any lights you’re considering before you bring them into your home to check for UV and IR rays. Artificial lights can be particularly difficult to avoid in a workplace setting, but if you think you’re being affected, start a conversation with your employer about the lights that are being used, and what can be done to find a safer – and potentially more environmentally friendly – alternative.