As a result of government regulations over the past several decades, an increasing number of product manufacturers have added labels alerting consumers to potential health risks. However, a new labeling initiative isn’t the result of a federal mandate but a technology leader’s decision to take action.

Lighting Science Group, one of the world’s top developers of LED lighting solutions, announced today that it would begin putting labels on light bulbs alerting consumers to the potential link between health and lighting products – specifically highlighting how exposure to electric lights prior to bedtime may cause sleep disruption and other effects.

Lighting Science Group is launching a new iniative by adding health risk labels to LED products. (Lighting Science Group/LEDinside)

The new initiative is receiving broad support from the scientific and medical communities. Former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Dr. Louis W. Sullivan, MD, applauded the effort, saying: “Providing helpful information to the public is important and necessary to protect and enhance the health of our citizens. Many studies have found that lighting has a significant biological effect – impacting sleep, alertness, and many other physiological functions.” A 2014 research report released by Harvard Medical School concluded “the use of portable light-emitting devices immediately before bedtime has biological effects that may perpetuate sleep deficiency and disrupt circadian rhythms, both of which can have adverse impacts on performance, health, and safety.”

“The effect of light on human health and wellness is meaningful and well documented,” said Fred Maxik, founder and chief technology officer of Lighting Science. “We decided it was time to be proactive and raise awareness of those effects. This warning actually belongs on all light bulbs produced worldwide and we’d hope that other lighting developers and manufacturers will join us in adding similar labels to their products.”

“This is an issue that needs and deserves much greater attention,” said Dr. Michael Breus, one of the nation's leading authorities on clinical sleep disorders and who is also known as “The Sleep Doctor.” “Light affects our biology, our performance, and our psychology. Like any powerful medicine, we need to use caution, education, and experience in choosing what type of light is right for different situations and when is the best time to use it.”

Lighting Science has always placed a strong emphasis on science and technology-based lighting solutions. The company initially garnered attention through its partnership with NASA, designing lights to improve the alertness and sleep patterns of astronauts on the International Space Station. “Lighting Science Group views our role in much broader terms than simply a traditional lighting company,” said Chairman Craig Cogut. “Our focus is the impact of lighting on health and we are using new scientific findings and technological advances as the basis for product development.” Lighting Science’s Rhythm Series leverages the company’s focus on sleep improvement with biologically-oriented products such as the Sleepy Baby and Good Night lights. The company’s scope of products has expanded in recent years to include the Avenue Series, which focuses on outdoor lights for communities and roadways; the Marquee Series, filament bulbs inspired by vintage designs; and a variety of other products that seek to address issues in the realms of agriculture, wildlife protection, and energy efficiency. “It’s a revolutionary time for Lighting Science," said CEO Ed Bednarcik. “We want to lead the way in helping to inform customers, as well as providing solutions for utilizing light more effectively and safely.” The first new labels will begin appearing on packages in specific channels later this summer, with a full rollout planned in the following months. For more information on the biological effects of light please, please visit http://www.healthimpactoflight.com/.