This summary of the scientific Opinion on 'Potential risks to human health of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)' by the Scientific Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging Risks (SCHEER) covers some of the Opinion's key points and goes more in depth than the one-page factsheet on the same topic, also available on this website. An abstract and a shorter but more technical summary are also included in the scientific Opinion itself. Information about data and methodology and the science behind LEDs and eye and skin optics are also found in the Opinion and are not covered here.
Navigation
- 1. Background
- 2. Are there any existing safety regulations concerning optical radiation?
- 3. Health risks
- 4. Conclusions
2. ARE THERE ANY EXISTING SAFETY REGULATIONS CONCERNING OPTICAL RADIATION?
2.1. Safety regulations on international level
Recommendations for exposure limit values to protect against adverse effects of optical radiation have been established at the international level by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). These guidelines do not usually differentiate between exposure to professionals and exposure to the general public.
2.2. Safety regulations on EU level
There are various safety regulations at EU level, including one that sets limits regarding the exposure of workers to risks from artificial optical radiation. The safety of mains-powered LED products also falls under the scope of the Low Voltage Directive, which covers all health and safety risks of electrical equipment operating with a voltage between 50 and 1000 V for alternating current and between 75 and 1500 V for direct current. If the LEDs are lower in voltage than 50 V AC or 75 V DC, their safety is covered by the General Product Safety Directive from 2001. Specific safety requirements regarding photobiological hazards are contained within the LED modules and luminaire safety standards and in other lamp safety standards. Additionally, there is a European standard for electronic toys that limits the emission of optical radiation from toys.