Lighting and health FB 74
BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.
Lighting and health (FB 74) was written by Cosmin Ticleanu, Stephanie King, Paul Littlefair and Gareth Howlett, BRE, Feride ener Yilmaz, Istanbul Technical University, and Marielle Aarts and Jüliette van Duijnhoven, Eindhoven University of Technology. It was published by BRE on 7 August 2015.
Lighting can affect the health of people in buildings. This goes beyond the safety aspects of providing enough illumination to see by; lighting affects mood and human circadian rhythms. Poor lighting can cause glare, headaches, eyestrain, skin conditions and various types of sight loss. It is important for designers, building owners and occupants to be aware of these issues.
A substantial amount of research has been carried out in this area, and this 64-page report reviews that research, asking easy-to-understand questions such as: Can LEDs keep you awake at night and damage your brain? Can special lighting help people with dementia? and so on.
The report concludes with guidance for lighting designers, building occupants and building managers, helping them maximise the health benefits of lighting and minimise the health risks.
The contents of the report are:
- Acronyms.
- Executive summary.
- Safe, healthy lighting for tasks.
- Circadian and seasonal rhythms.
- Optical hazards.
- Light exposure to skin.
- Indirect impacts.
- Special types of lighting.
- Recommendations.
- References.
- Further reading.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- 7 ways better lighting can improve your health.
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz.
- BRE Expert Collection 6 Daylight and shading.
- BREEAM External lighting.
- BREEAM Internal and external lighting.
- BREEAM Reduction of night time light pollution.
- BREEAM Visual comfort Daylighting.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Circadian rhythms.
- Daylight benefits in healthcare buildings.
- Health and wellbeing impacts of natural and artificial lighting.
- Lighting and health infographic.
- Lighting for circadian rhythms.
- Use of lighting to improve health and wellbeing.
Featured articles and news
Shortage of high-quality data threatening the AI boom
And other fundamental issues highlighted by the Open Data Institute.
Data centres top the list of growth opportunities
In robust, yet heterogenous world BACS market.
Increased funding for BSR announced
Within plans for next generation of new towns.
New Towns Taskforce interim policy statement
With initial reactions to the 6 month policy update.
Heritage, industry and slavery
Interpretation must tell the story accurately.
PM announces Building safety and fire move to MHCLG
Following recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry report.
Conserving the ruins of a great Elizabethan country house.
BSRIA European air conditioning market update 2024
Highs, lows and discrepancy rates in the annual demand.
50 years celebrating the ECA Apprenticeship Awards
As SMEs say the 10 years of the Apprenticeship Levy has failed them.
Nominations sought for CIOB awards
Celebrating construction excellence in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
EPC consultation in context: NCM, SAP, SBEM and HEM
One week to respond to the consultation on reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings framework.
CIAT Celebrates 60 years of Architectural Technology
Find out more #CIAT60 social media takeover.
The BPF urges Chancellor for additional BSR resources
To remove barriers and bottlenecks which delay projects.
Flexibility over requirements to boost apprentice numbers
English, maths and minimumun duration requirements reduced for a 10,000 gain.
A long term view on European heating markets
BSRIA HVAC 2032 Study.
Humidity resilience strategies for home design
Frequency of extreme humidity events is increasing.
National Apprenticeship Week 2025
Skills for life : 10-16 February