Are Grow Lights Safe?

Table of Contents:

How Safe Are Grow Lights?

• How Dangerous is Blue Light?

• The Grow Light Mercury Myth

• Can Grow Lights Affect Your Eyes?

• UV Light Is Harmful In Unmonitored Amounts

Grow Light Fires

• Electrical Fires

The Bottom Line About Grow Light Safety

• Maximize Grow Light Safety

• Check The Manufacturer's Instructions and Regulations

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are grow lights harmful to humans?
• Are grow lights safe for pets?

 

Beginners, and sometimes even enthusiasts, ask a common question: “How can a light meant to emulate spectrums from our sun be safe indoors,” or more simply, “Are grow lights safe?” It may be silly to some, but this question deserves an answer, especially those looking to use grow lights themselves. Learn more about grow lights below!

How Safe Are Grow Lights?

If you are thinking about using grow lights, you may know that they use blue light to encourage growth. Even though blue light can encourage plant growth, it is possible that this blue light could also lead to eye damage. So, are grow lights bad for your eyes? 

How Dangerous Is Blue Light?

Even though this is still an area of research, a lot of studies have already been published regarding blue light from handheld devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones. One research study, led by scientists at the University of Toledo, discovered that blue light exposure could lead to macular degeneration. This is one of the leading causes of vision loss in the United States. In a statement that was released by Ajith Karunarathne, Ph.D. (from the University of Toledo, the professor said, “It’s no secret that blue light harms our vision by damaging the eye’s retina.”

Can Grow Lights Affect Your Eyes?

The blue light from grow lights can lead to a specific condition called macular degeneration. Macular degeneration takes place when photoreceptor cells in the retina begin to die. Reactions triggered by Blue Light in the eye can be poisonous to these photoreceptor cells. When these cells die, there is no regeneration. Therefore, individuals using grow lights want to invest in glasses that can filter blue light. 

The vast majority of people believe macular degeneration takes place after the age of 60. On the other hand, it is possible that macular degeneration could occur earlier due to increased exposure. For example, one Research Foundation indicated that by the year 2040, close to 300 million people may be impacted by macular degeneration. Grow lights can be bad for your eyes if you do not protect yourself from the blue light they emit. Therefore, individuals who use grow lights should protective gear or filters that can protect their eyes. As long as they are not looking at the grow lights directly and wearing protective gear, it's safe. 

The Grow Light Mercury Myth

There are a lot of people who have concerns about grow lights and systems. One reason why a lot of people are concerned about grow lights is that they believed they contain mercury. This is a myth. Modern grow lights do not contain mercury or any other dangerous heavy metal. Even though this is incorrect, it is based on something that used to be true.

In the past, LED lights, such as those found in grow lights, contained heavy metals, such as mercury. Today, the diodes that are found in grow lights emit light directly. They do not rely on heavy metals, including Mercury, to emit their light. Therefore, anyone who is concerned that grow lights may contain mercury can put their fears at ease. This is no longer the case. 

UV Light Is Harmful in Unmonitored Amounts

In some situations, grow lights could expose you to ultraviolet radiation. UV radiation is also emitted by the sun. There are two main types of ultraviolet radiation. They include:

• UVA Rays: These rays can pass directly through window glass, penetrate deep into the skin layers, and are 20 times more abundant than UVB rays. UVA rays can cause long-term skin damage.
• UVB Rays: UVB rays cannot pass through window glass. UVB rays are responsible for sunburns and tanning. UVB rays can cause skin cancer and cataracts, which are thin, cloudy layers that develop over the layers of the eyes.

Clearly, UV light can lead to significant skin and eye damage if it is not monitored carefully. If you are going to be around grow lights, it is important to set them up properly in a safe area. Also, wear sunglasses, sunscreen, and long clothing when possible. These simple steps can protect you from UV radiation.

Grow Light Fires

When unmonitored or not maintained, grow lights can be a significant fire hazard. Because they are sometimes set up in close proximity to residential spaces, they should be positioned properly and looked after often. 

Electrical Fires

If you are thinking about setting up grow lights, consider purchasing beginner-friendly options with easy set-up instructions. Kumans has a variety of supplies, lights, and grow kits available for beginners and experts. As with any form of electric equipment, it is important to follow guidelines and even reach out to a professional for assistance.

Grow lights are also commonly set up in areas that are close to water, which you use to take care of your plants. Water can short-circuit electrical systems, causing a fire. Furthermore, wet electrical equipment can also lead to electrocution. 

Finally, electrical fires can also develop due to bulb temperatures. If your bulbs get extremely hot, stainable materials can catch fire if they rub up against them. Paper and fabric can catch fire quickly if they come into contact with hot grow lights. Keep these factors in mind when you are setting up your grow lights. 

The Bottom Line About Grow Light Safety

Grow lights are safe to use as long as you set them up properly. Grow lights can emit blue light and UV radiation, which can be harmful to your skin and eyes.

Maximize Grow Light Safety

Under more extreme and neglectful circumstances, the grow lights can also lead to fires. Make sure you set up your grow lights properly and ask for help when you're not sure about something. Check out the 'Chat With Us,' chat box on the main page to ask us questions.

Check The Manufacturer’s Instructions and Regulations

Always read the manual when you are setting up your grow lights. Read the instructions and regulations from the manufacturer. As long as you follow their instructions, you should be able to minimize safety hazards. 

Are Grow Lights Harmful To Humans?

Grow lights can be harmful to humans if they are not used safely. Make sure to protect yourself against UV radiation and blue light. Also, read the manual and reduce the risk of fires developing. 

Are Grow Lights Safe For Pets?

Yes, grow lights are safe for pets. Just make sure you place them in a location where your pet is not going to knock them over and break them. Broken glass can be a hazard for everyone, including your furry friends.

Conclusion

Ultimately, these are a few of the most important points that you should keep in mind if you are looking to use grow lights. Like anything, grow lights can be dangerous, but they aren’t if you are careful and follow the standard safety procedures. Read the manual, follow the safety tips, and put grow lights to work for you in a safe, secure environment!