UCL Professor Labels LED Bulbs a Public Health Crisis Comparable to Asbestos
Glen Jeffery, a neuroscience professor at University College London, has declared energy-efficient LED bulbs a 'clear and present public health emergency,' comparing their potential risks to those of asbestos. He argues that the short-wavelength blue light emitted by LEDs, which are now in nearly half of US households, damages mitochondria and disrupts systemic health. While some studies link LED exposure to reduced mitochondrial activity and altered liver function in mice, the European Commission’s scientific committee has found no evidence of direct adverse health effects in healthy populations during normal use. Jeffery recommends mitigating risks by supplementing LED lighting with broad-spectrum sources, such as incandescent bulbs or natural sunlight, to support circadian rhythms and mitochondrial function.
