Blue Light Toxicity: Protecting Our Eyes in the Grow Room & Beyond

In today's cannabis industry, workers are constantly exposed to blue light—from the screens of our phones and laptops to the LED grow lights used in cannabis cultivation. While many of us are aware of the need to protect our eyes from prolonged screen time, there's an often-overlooked issue: purple light emitted by grow lights that only produce in red and blue spectrum, especially those with a purple hue, can be harmful to both our eyes and our plants.

Understanding Blue Light Toxicity

Our eyes perceive colors through red, green, and blue cones, with a peak sensitivity to green light at a wavelength of about 555 nanometers. Under natural conditions, this balance of color allows our eyes to function comfortably. However, when green light is absent or reduced—such as under grow lights that primarily emit blue and red light—our eyes struggle to adjust. This causes our pupils to dilate more than usual, allowing excessive blue light to reach the retina.

A study from the University of Toledo has shown that when retinal molecules in our eyes are over exposed to blue light, it can lead to the death of photoreceptor cells. These cells are crucial for vision and, once damaged, they do not regenerate. The long-term consequences can be severe, potentially leading to vision problems or even blindness.

The Risks in Cannabis Cultivation

In the cannabis industry, many growers rely on LED lights that emit a purple glow—a combination of red and blue light—to stimulate plant growth. While these lights are effective for growing plants, they pose a serious risk to those working under them without proper eye protection.

Consider the case of an employee at a microgreens facility who, unaware of the dangers, worked under blue/red spectrum lights without wearing color-correcting glasses. Over time, his vision deteriorated, and what he initially thought was just a period of adjustment turned out to be chronic damage from exposure to the intense blue and red light spectrum.

Moreover, these Burple (blue/red only) lights make it difficult to see the true colors of plants, potentially leading to overlooked issues like mold or nutrient deficiencies that would be easily identified under natural light.

The Parallel with Screen Time

The dangers of blue light aren't confined to the grow room. Just as our eyes are at risk from grow lights, they are also vulnerable to the blue light emitted by our phones, tablets, and computer screens. Prolonged exposure can lead to digital eye strain, sleep disruption, and long-term damage to the retina.

It's crucial to use blue light filters or wear glasses designed to block blue light when spending extended periods on digital devices. Similarly, growers should invest in color-correcting glasses that protect their eyes.

Protecting Your Eyes and Your Plants

As awareness of blue light toxicity grows, more companies are developing solutions to mitigate its effects. For example, Fohse has been at the forefront of providing lighting solutions that not only optimize plant growth but also consider the safety of those working in cultivation environments.

In the cannabis industry, ensuring the safety of workers is just as important as producing high-quality plants. By using color-correcting glasses and choosing the best LED lights for your grow room, you can protect your eyes from the harmful effects of blue/red light and ensure that your plants are thriving under the right spectrum.

In conclusion, whether you're scrolling through social media or tending to your cannabis crop, it's essential to be aware of the risks associated with blue light exposure. By taking the necessary precautions, you can protect your vision and ensure that both you and your plants are healthy and safe.

*** We aren’t doctors or scientists or any authority on this topic. All statements by TCC Media are meant for entertainment purposes only