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Debunking Full-Spectrum Lighting Claims
GreenSwirl writes "Full-spectrum light sources
often are claimed to promote health, mood and
productivity in schools and offices.
The Lighting Research Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, has published an independent report evaluating full-spectrum light sources. Practically all health claims are debunked and many products are shown to have a less-than-full spectrum. The report was produced as part of the National Lighting Product Information Program, an objective third-party funded by government and utilities."
I can't say that I have even heard about any supposed health benefits derived from full-spectrum lighting, or any other purported or proved claims.
However, we use full-spectrum bulbs a few places around the house, anywhere we don't have flourescent bulbs. Why? It just looks nicer! My SO and I can't stand the yellowness of regular bulbs, and we prever the whiter light of the full-spectrum guys, especially for reading and similar activities.
Working toward a usable PDA environment in the spirit of Newton OS: Dynapad
Of course you a right, I should have been clearer. But then again, a negative correlation is just as much a correlation as a positive correlation is. Its opposite is a non-correlated event. Clearly we have a "positive" bias in our language that needs to be eliminated. I am preparing letters to the English Teachers of the world even now.
Here in northern England, the winters get mighty dark. I've found that using a full spectrum light to illuminate a room definitely increases my energy level in the evening. But I've wondered if the effect occurs just because the light is so bright: if feels like it's still afternoon, so my body acts like it.
As a side note, the full spectrum light has the cool effect of giving the house a sort-of radioactive glow 8-)