Evaluation of optical radiation emissions by a measurement campaign on LED sources for general lighting

The risk assessment from exposure to artificial optical radiation (AOR) has long been analyzed. Minor attention has been paid to incoherent sources used in offices (e.g. lamps, LED for lighting). The LED is becoming one of the most widespread light sources. Due to spectral characteristics of white LEDs some concerns have been raised regarding their safety for human health. The minimum requirements to protect workers against risks to health and safety that may result from exposure to the AOR are specified in the EU Directive 2006/25. In this paper the Authors discuss the results of a measurement survey of AOR emitted by LEDs suitable for substitution of lamps used in lighting. These results have been compared with the results of similar measurements on fluorescent tubes. The risk analysis was thorough in the range 300÷700nm (Blue Light Hazard) to define the Risk Group of LED in function of the exposure time as indicated in the EN 62471 on photobiological safety of lamps.