Metal Toxins in LED Products
David Gabel, ENN
February 11, 2011
LED lighting is the newest, most efficient form of lighting to hit the markets. It blows away even the most efficient compact fluorescent bulb, and is therefore, a much more expensive option. However, the benefits to the environment from LED's efficiency come with another environmental cost.
A new study from the University of California (UC) Irvine shows that LED bulbs contain lead, arsenic, and a dozen more potentially hazardous substances.
"LEDs are touted as the next generation of lighting. But as we try to find better products that do not deplete energy resources or contribute to global warming, we have to be vigilant about the toxicity hazards of those marketed as replacements," said Oladele Ogunseitan, chair of UC Irvine's Department of Population Health & Disease Prevention.
The researchers found that different LED bulbs contained different concentrations of toxins. For example, red bulbs, which can be found in vehicle brake lights or traffic lights, contain eight times more lead than what is allowed under California law. White bulbs had less lead, but contained more nickel. In general, higher intensity, bright bulbs had more toxic contaminants than lower intensity bulbs.
Many of the contaminants found in the LED bulbs have been showed to adversely affect human health. Toxins like lead and arsenic are linked to various cancers, brain damage, hypertension, skin rashes, and other illnesses. The copper in LED bulbs, once released, can affect rivers, lakes, and infect fish.
