Exposure to LED Grow Lights 

The popularity of indoor cultivation has surged in recent years, largely due to LED grow light technology advancements. These lights offer an effective solution for growing plants indoors; however, their use has raised concerns regarding potential health risks for individuals frequently exposed to them. One primary area of concern is UV radiation emitted by certain types of LED grow lights. Given that UV radiation is a known risk factor for skin cancer, some worry that even low-level and extended exposure could increase skin cancer risk over time.

LED grow lights are typically designed to emit specific wavelengths ideal for plant growth, often focusing on blue and red light spectrums which is important for photosynthesis and plant development. Unlike natural sunlight, which includes a broad spectrum of light, including harmful UV-A and UV-B rays, most LED grow lights are engineered to emit minimal UV radiation. 

Generally, this keeps UV exposure levels low and poses little to no risk under standard conditions. Nonetheless, there are exceptions based on the design and purpose of specific LED grow lights; some lights incorporate UV wavelengths to stimulate particular plant responses and pollination. 

In response to these concerns, a study by researchers at Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center investigated whether LED grow lights emit enough UV radiation to potentially increase skin cancer risk. This study, led by researchers Decosma, Kumar, McCormick, and Carroll, assessed several common LED grow light models, measuring their UV emissions and comparing them to established safe exposure thresholds. The study was supported by an internal research grant from the University Hospital Cleveland Medical Center, highlighting the importance of understanding potential occupational and environmental health implications.

The findings revealed minimal UV emission in standard LED grow lights, with most models emitting UV radiation at levels well below the thresholds associated with an increased risk of skin cancer. For the majority of indoor gardeners and professionals, these lights are considered safe under typical exposure conditions, and significant health risks are unlikely. However, the researchers noted a potential risk associated with high-intensity, prolonged exposure. Individuals working daily under high-intensity LED grow lights, especially those designed with additional UV-A or UV-B spectrums may face a marginal increase in exposure risk. Although the overall risk remains low, extended close-range exposure to high-UV models could theoretically contribute to cumulative skin changes over time.

The study emphasized that distance is a factor in UV exposure levels, with UV intensity decreasing substantially as the distance from the light source increases. This finding suggests that close-range work near high-UV lights poses more significant concerns but risks drop significantly when a reasonable distance is maintained. 

The researchers recommend protective measures for high-exposure scenarios, particularly in commercial indoor agriculture or research facilities where staff may spend prolonged periods near high-intensity LED grow lights. These include using UV-blocking eyewear, wearing protective clothing, or applying broad-spectrum sunscreen to exposed skin. These steps are relevant for individuals who may accumulate UV exposure over time without even realizing it.

Considering these factors, individuals involved in indoor cultivation should be aware of the possible hazards associated with extended exposure to grow lights and implement suitable safety measures. By incorporating simple safety measures, such as protective attire, the use of reflectors in their system, and minimizing direct exposure when feasible, individuals can significantly reduce their risk while still enjoying the benefits that LED grow lights bring to indoor cultivation.

NutriHydro is committed to not only modernizing cultivation through innovative hydroponic solutions but also prioritizing the health and safety of consumers and the environment.

References:

Decosma, L., Kumar, Y., McCormick, T. S., & Carroll, B. T. (2023). Do indoor LED grow lights emit sufficient UV irradiation to pose an increased skin cancer risk? Dermatologic Surgery, 49(11), 1041–1042. https://doi.org/10.1097/dss.0000000000003911 

Takao, M. (2016). Health effects of occupational exposure to LED light: A special reference to plant cultivation works in plant factories. In Springer eBooks (pp. 429–443). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-1848-0_31

Haim, A., & Portnov, B. A. (2013). Light pollution as a new risk factor for human breast and prostate cancers. Springer Science & Business Media.

Surdu, S., Fitzgerald, E. F., Bloom, M. S., Boscoe, F. P., Carpenter, D. O., Haase, R. F., Gurzau, E., Rudnai, P., Koppova, K., Févotte, J., Leonardi, G., Vahter, M., Goessler, W., Kumar, R., & Fletcher, T. (2013). Occupational exposure to ultraviolet radiation and risk of Non-Melanoma skin cancer in a multinational European study. PLoS ONE, 8(4), e62359. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0062359