Lately, full-spectrum light has received a great deal of media attention regarding the effects of artificial light on human health and eyes. Full-spectrum light manufacturers such as Ott-Lite, a pioneer in this kind of photobiological research, market the benefits of all natural lighting. But what exactly is full-spectrum light?
It is light that covers the electromagnetic spectrum from infrared through near-ultraviolet, or all wavelengths that are useful to plant or animal life. Sunlight is considered full spectrum, even though the solar spectral distribution reaching Earth varies with atmospheric conditions, latitude, and time of day.
The term “full-spectrum” originated when photobiologist, Dr. John Nash Ott, described electric light sources (in the 1960’s) that simulate the visible and ultraviolet (UV) spectrum of natural light. There are many companies who sell electric lighting products that are marketed as full-spectrum. Some of these companies promise full spectrum lamps that they claim closely simulate daylight and can therefore provide benefits such as improved vision, health, healing, and work productivity.
Among the claims for benefits that may be obtained from this special lighting are better visibilities for close and detail work, and the differentiation of colors. This comes in handy in such industries as design, sewing, jewelry work, and all forms of aesthetic painting. These lamps are used by color scientists or color matchers in paint stores to match colors; they use them at night or inside when they don’t have access to north sunlight.
Many companies have disparate ideas about what constitutes a full-spectrum light source, and what it is about this kind of light that yields the claimed benefits. Some insist that invisible-to-the-eye UV radiation is a necessary ingredient. One recent development in natural lighting products is the advent of lamps that reduce radiation in a small part of the visible spectrum in an effort to improve vision and visibility. These products also bear the full-spectrum moniker.
Though these lights and lamps are marketed at premium prices compared to incandescent light sources and non-spectrum fluorescents, they generally produce fewer lumens per watt than comparable light sources. If valid, the benefits claimed for full-spectrum light sources would seem to be well worth the additional expense and the loss in wattage. This is one consistency that these manufacturers share. However, the inconsistencies for wattage and spectrum criteria have made the idea of using such lighting confusing for some consumers.
There are some companies that are a safe bet, including Ott-Lites. It is suggested that the consumer research of Ott-Lites and other manufacturers, looks at the clinical sources for claims of benefits and usages. By the way, this article was written while using a full-spectrum floor lamp.
