Photobiological safety of LED-based lighting systems – theory and practical hazard assessment

Abstract This article gives an insight into the theory and application of photobiological safety assessment. To illustrate several aspects of this topic, the project ‘Measurement and assessment of optical radiation sources, relevant to the general population – Risk estimation to the eye, especially blue light hazard and glare’ by the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection, where 40 different products were measured and assessed, is used as an exemplary case. Products were chosen which were promoted to have a high output intensity and which are available to the public. Most of the products with incoherent radiation were classified in risk group 2 according to DIN EN 62471:2009 [DIN EN 62471:2009 – ‘Photobiologische Sicherheit von Lampen und Lampensystemen’]. Only a few of them were labeled correctly or had the right warning notice. Additionally, to the results of this market survey, practical aspects of the hazard measurement and assessment are emphasized.