SOME LIGHT
ON THE SUBJECT - RESEARCH
Citing
American Optometrists Association figures, Dr. Sheedy noted that eye
related complaints are the "number one" problem cited by
computer users.
Eye
irritation nightmare: Other problems becoming apparent include eye
irritations produced by glare. Some experts warn that eyesight damage
could become an OH&S nightmare in the 1990's. A related study found
that more than 10% of workers complained of sore eyes every day. More
than 50% suffered sore eyes at least once a week. (OHM issue No. 93)
Research
during the last ten years shows that the physiological and psychological
effects of artificial lighting are very significant and quantifiable.
The amount of light is important, but the composition of quality of
light is perhaps the most important factor, affecting health,
temperament, and the ability to see clearly.
Physiological
studies have also conclusively shown that, under full spectrum lamps
versus cool white lamps, humans have increased oxygen intake, reduced
heart rate, increased ability to absorb vitamin D and calcium and
improved muscle utilization. (Hughes,1986) (Neer,1984)
Recent
reports conclude, "The results support the conclusion that
artificial lighting simulating natural light (full spectrum lamps) is
perceived as significantly more pleasant, natural, bright and
stimulating. Subjects felt more relaxed, less fatigued and as having
greater eye comfort under the simulated natural light Additionally, they
rated their work as being more distinct, easier and satisfying. "
(Hughes. 1986)
Initial
experiments by Aston and Bell chambers were confirmed by the extensive
research of the Naval Submarine Research laboratory. The experiments and
research concludes that fluorescent lamps with superior colour rendering
result in a visual clarity that is 40% greater than typical cool white
lamps.
In 1973, Dr.
Ott used four windowless, first grade classrooms in Sarasota, Florida to
test the effectiveness of full spectrum lighting. Two classrooms
received installations of full-spectrum lights while two classrooms kept
the standard cool-white fluorescent lights. The results: the level of behavior
improved considerably in the classes with the full-spectrum lights while
the overall academic level of the children in those classes rose
considerably.
The use of
cool-white fluorescent lights has been legally banned in Germany at a
Federal level, largely due to the work of Drs. Ott and Hollwich.
Full-spectrum
lighting provides many benefits that are of immediate relevance to our
Occupational Health and Safety considerations. Human resource interests
are being prioritized in progressive companies and business. These
physiological and psychological advantages, combined with sustained
quality performance, represent the future in work place illumination.
HEATHMONT
3135 Mob. 0418 334 127
Research
during the last ten years shows that the physiological and psychological
effects of artificial lighting are very significant and quantifiable.
The amount of light is important but the composition, of quality of
light, is perhaps the most important factor, affecting health,
temperament, and the ability to see clearly.
Sunlight is
the most critical element of virtually all forms of life. The full
spectrum lamps provided by United Energy are the closest approximation
of sunlight available in fluorescent lamps. The studies and reports
summarized here explain why it is so important to use natural sunlight
type lighting wherever possible.
All
chemical, mineral and vitamin substances taken into the body have unique wavelength
absorption characteristics. Wavelength energy penetrates the skin and
interacts directly at the molecular level with chemicals and minerals in
the blood supply, aiding in the substance breakdown for assimilation
into the body of the desirable substances and excretion of the
undesirable. Full spectrum lamps and sunlight produce wavelengths that
kill numerous bacteria, molds, yeasts and viruses.
A most
obvious example of this is that sunlight and full spectrum fluorescent
light are used to treat jaundice. The short wavelengths of natural
light interact with serum bilirubin, converting it to a nontoxic
substance. (McDonagh, 1980)
A study by
the Council of Educational Facility Planners compared cool white to
full spectrum fluorescent lamps in a controlled scientific test in
classrooms. Students had a 2.5 times better attendance record in rooms
with full spectrum lamps. That is they were sick much less frequently.
(Graves, 1985) (Hathaway, 1980)
Physiological
studies have also conclusively shown that, under full spectrum lamps
versus cool white lamps, humans have increased oxygen intake, reduced
heart rate, increased ability to absorb vitamin D and calcium and
improved muscle utilization. (Hughes, 1986) (Neer, 1984)
Natural
sunlight makes people feel better than artificial light does. The more
natural the light the more comfort and better performance. Statistically
significant differences are proven for subjects in rooms lit by cool
white lamps versus full spectrum lamps. Subjects brought from outdoors
into cool white rooms tended to become less lively or lethargic. The
subjects exhibited no change when brought from outdoors into full
spectrum rooms. Visual accuracy and alertness were measurably better in
the full spectrum rooms versus the cool white rooms. (Maas, 1974)
Recent
reports conclude, "The results support the conclusion that
artificial lighting simulating natural light (full spectrum lamps) is
perceived as significantly more pleasant, natural, bright and
stimulating. Subjects felt more relaxed, less fatigued and as having
greater eye comfort under the simulated natural light. Additionally,
they rated their work as being more distinct, easier and
satisfying." (Hughes, 1986)
Being able
to see clearly is typically attributed to the amount of light, however,
clear color rendering is at least as important. The most obvious example
of this is white appearing as white and black as black, instead of light
yellow and dark brown. Enhanced black and white contrast makes written
material easier to read and makes objects appear brighter.
Initial
experiments by Aston and Bellchambers were confirmed by extensive
research by the Naval Submarine Research Laboratory. The experiments and
research concludes that fluorescent lamps with superior color rendering
result in a visual clarity that is 40% greater than light from typical
cool white lamps. The reason for this is that the red/green contrasts
contribute to distinguish borders and the blue/yellow make little or no
contribution to the distinctness of borders. Cool white lamps are strong
in the blue/yellow contrasts and weak in the red/green. Full spectrum
lamps have an appropriate balance of spectral contrast. (Worthy, 1985)
FOR
MORE INFORMATION
1. Birren, F.; Light, "Color and Environment"; 1969.
2. Boyce, P.R.; "Human Factors in Lighting"; 1981.
3. Graves, B.; "Shedding Light on Learning"; American School
and University; Volume 36; March 1985.
4. Hollowich, F.; "The Influence of Ocular Light Perception on
Metabolism in Man and Animals"; Springer Verlag; 1980.
5. Hughes, P. , Ph.D. ; "The Use of Simulated Natural Light in the
Design of the Earth Sheltered Environment"; Conference on Earth
Sheltered Environment/University of Minnesota; 1986.
6. Mass, J.; "Effects of Spectral Differences in Illumination on
Fatigue"; Journal of Applied Psychology, Volume 59; 1974.
7. Ott, J.; "Light Radiation and You"; 1982.
8. Tiller, D.; "Toward a Deeper Understanding of Psychological
Aspects of Lighting"; Journal of IES; Summer, 1990.
9. Worthey; "An Analytical Visual Clarity Experiment"; Journal
of IES, Fall 1985.
10. Wurtman, R.; "Biological Implications of Artificial
Illumination"; IES National Technical Conference; September 1968.
