Conventional high-pressure sodium (HPS) light bulbs can lead to toxic exposure in two ways. Firstly, they’re flush with enough mercury that a single bulb has enough mercury vapor to be lethal for a classroom full of children.
Secondly, they emit harmful amounts of UV rays. This problem has a simple remedy: LED lighting. Restructuring industrial lighting structures with LED lighting eliminates these risks, while also providing additional benefits. Here’s how LED lighting can resolve the problem of toxic exposure.
Conventional Risks
Suppose an HPS light bulb breaks, and an employee is exposed to the released mercury. The ensuant exposure could cause mercury poisoning, which would be disastrous.
Mercury poisoning’s effects include difficulty speaking and walking, muscular weakness, memory impairment, and more. Not only is this devastating to an employee, but your company may also face a personal injury lawsuit, which will dig into your reserves.
UV rays can harm peoples’ appearances, eyes, and immune systems. They can cause premature aging and sunburn, both of which lead to skin damage. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can also inflame peoples’ corneas, leading to impaired vision.
Lastly, UV radiation can weaken peoples’ immune systems, making it harder for them to fight off illnesses. Like mercury-related injuries, this can also land your business with many personal injury lawsuits.
LED Lighting
LED lighting mitigates these risks in three ways. Firstly, LED light bulbs are remarkably durable, so the risk of them breaking while working is slim.
Even if an LED light bulb breaks, there isn’t any risk of mercury poisoning because they don’t contain mercury. Compared to HPS bulbs, which contain mercury and can explode if it gets too hot, LED bulbs are safer.
Secondly, LED light bulbs require minimal maintenance, so there’s no trade-off for greater security; you don’t need to incur more expenses for safety. Thirdly, LED light bulbs emit a negligible amount of UV rays. In contrast, HPS bulbs exert a significant amount of UV rays even when shielded, and these shields can easily break.
If you understand the risks of conventional lighting and benefits of LED lighting, get in touch with us at RHK Electrical. We offer LED lighting solutions in Katy, Magnolia, and The Woodlands, TX. We also provide electrical services and home electricians in the aforementioned areas. Contact us to improve your workplace’s safety.