Traditionally we have always used full spectrum lighting in our homes. Because of the energy crisis, we are all switching to energy saving or fluorescent light bulbs - but could there to a downside to them?
In 1974 Mayron and Ott published a study on artificial light and the behaviour of children with ADD (at that time the terminology used for ADHD). A special classroom was prepared with both fluorescent and full spectrum lights. The researchers were able to switch from one kind of light to the other without the children or the teacher being aware of it.
They found that children with ADD became more nervous, noisy and disruptive when the fluorescent lighting was switched on. They calmed down when the fluorescent lighting was switched off and replaced with full spectrum light.
The researchers suggested that full spectrum lights be installed in your home.
It seems that it’s not only humans that are being affected: Feingold in 1975 cited a study conducted at the University of West Virginia in which fruit flies exposed to fluorescent light after being fed yellow food dye, died of hyperactivity-caused exhaustion.
Professor
CF van der Merwe
Editors Note:
It might be interesting to experiment with different lighting while your children are doing homework. Use full spectrum lighting in your children’s rooms for a few days and then switch to energy saving light bulbs. Compare their behaviour and concentration with the different lightings – you would have to try to make sure that other factors are basically the same. |
