MORE BENEFITS OF FULL SPECTRUM LIGHTING

Informal definition: Full Spectrum Light is artificial light that imitates natural sunlight.

Formal definition: Full Spectrum Light is any artificial light that has a correlated color temperature (CCT)* of 5000 Kelvin and minimum CRI (Color Rendering Index)** of 80.

MAIN BENEFITS:

	Improves visual clarity and color perception
	Improves mood
	Improves productivity (especially at computer workstations)
	Improves mental awareness
	Improves retail sales
	Improves plant growth
	Improves results of light therapy in treating seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
	Improves results of light therapy in treating computer vision syndrome (CVS)
	Improves scholastic performance of students
	Improves vitamin D synthesis in the body
	Reduces incidence of dental decay
	Lessens arthritis and bone deterioration
	Improves results of light therapy for sleep disorders

KEY LIGHTING TIPS:

1. For high-quality color fluorescent light, select a bulb/lamp with a correlated color temperature (CCT) of 5000K, and with a color rendering index (CRI) of at least 80. Select unit with highest lumens in this range (look for lumens rating in product literature).

2. (Neodymium) Bulbs (a.k.a. ‘blue bulbs’) are recommended for general lighting needs only. These are not full spectrum bulbs, and are not recommended for health improvement, alleviating SAD symptoms or for correct color matching. The color of light these lamps produce is closer to natural light since Neodymium filters out the yellow spectrum. Technically Neodymium bulbs do not meet the specifications of full spectrum lamps and do not help produce Vitamin D for optimum health. However, the overall light output of Neodymium bulbs is better than standard incandescent bulbs because the yellow tone is filtered out.

3. Electronic ballasts (the amplifiers in the fluorescent fixtures) are worth the extra cost -- they prevent flickering and buzzing. Look for electronic ballasts that emit 10% THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) or less (magnetic ballasts may emit 30% THD or more, which may cause sporadic shutdowns).

4. Purchase compact fluorescent/tube fluorescent lamps or incandescent bulbs with written commercial guarantees, especially for hard-to-reach areas where long life is important. Most lamps/bulbs have an hours rating but not a guarantee. (Most guarantees are for limited residential use only, not commercial use.)

*Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) measure of light source color appearance.

** CRI (Color Rendering Index) is a measure of a light source's ability to show object colors "realistically" or "naturally" compared to a familiar reference source (e.g., daylight).

SOURCES

Michael A. Horigan, M.S., Superior Lamp and Energy Consulting, Ithaca, NY; 607-277-5089;

Toll-free: 1-800-257-8353, extension 267

The Lighting Research Center, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, www.lrc.rpi.edu