The impact of flicker from fluorescent lighting on well-being, performance and physiological arousal

Abstract

In working environments all over the world, fluorescent tubes are by far the dominating light source. Still, there have been very few studies on the impact of the non-visible flicker from fluorescent tubes. The purpose of the study was to compare the impact on subjective well-being, performance and physiological arousal of fluorescent light powered by conventional and high-frequency ballasts. Thirty-seven healthy males and females were subjected to either condition in a laboratory office on two separate occasions with 1 week in between. Although the methodology was quite extensive, only a few general effects were observed. However, when the light was powered by the conventional ballasts, individuals with high critical flicker fusion frequency (CFF) responded with a pronounced attenuation of EEG alpha waves, and an increase in speed and decrease in accuracy of performance. These results may be understood in terms of heightened arousal in the central nervous system in response to the pronounced light modulation caused by the conventional ballasts. In order to alleviate this potential stress source, it is recommended that fluorescent lighting be powered by electronic high-frequency ballasts of good quality.

The building process as a tool towards an all-inclusive school. A Swedish example focusing on children with defined concentration difficulties such as ADHD, autism and Down’s syndrome

“…In the school environment, children's ability to concentrate can be affected by different sound levels (Enmarker and Boman 2004;Lercher et al 2003;Hygge et al 2003;Maxwell and Evans 2000). Research has shown that artificial light (Küller 2004;Küller and Laike 1998) and daylight (Küller and Lindsten 1992;Küller 2002) affect children's behaviour and concentration ability. The materials and equipment need to be accessible, especially for children with disabilities (Doctoroff 2001).…”

Effects of Light-Emitting Diode Light on Human Electroencephalogram in Comparison with Fluorescent Light

“…11) In particular, alpha oscillation is a sensitive measure of attentional demands in cognitive tasks, 12) and further, fluorescent light with low frequency ballasts has significantly decreased alpha power compared with high frequency ballasts. 6) Nevertheless, we fund no significant differences in EEG spectral power along all frequency bands, between the LED and fluorescent light conditions in our study. This indicates that LED lighting does not disturb human attention, compared with conventional lighting.…”

“…3 It is well known that lighting can cause acute emotional, behavioral, and cognitive changes. [4][5][6] Additionally, a large body of research shows the chronic effects of lighting on sleep and neurocognitive function. 1,7,8 These effects of light may depend on parameters such as intensity, wavelength, and source of light.…”

Full-spectrum fluorescent lighting: a review of its effects on physiology and health

“…Electronic ballasts, a relatively new technology available for fluorescent lamps, use integrated electronic circuitry to increase the rate of oscillation to the range 20-60 kHz. The luminous flicker of fluorescent lights using magnetic ballasts, as compared to electronic ballasts, can reduce reading efficiency and performance on visual tasks, interfere with saccadic eye movements, and may cause headaches (Kuller & Laike, 1998;Veitch & McColl, 1995;Veitch & Newsham, 1998;Wilkins, 1986;Wilkins et al, 1989).…”