I consider that the main question is about how indoor lighting is going to be delivered as we advance in our knowledge in “Human Centric Lighting”. It is scientifically proven that light(ing) has a profound effect in human psycho-physiology, from circadian rhythms entrainment to high individual performance (flow/soft-transhumanism). The effect is out of the question, even if the underlying mechanisms remain to be discovered in full.
This takes us to the clash of precautionary vs. proactionary principles. Do we need to have full knowledge of a field (what a pretentious approach) to take advantage of it, or do we can put at work benefits even if we do not have the full understanding of the biological/psycho-physiological mechanisms? What is more beneficial for us as a society, the “Do no Harm” approach, or the “To do Good” approach? Coming back in recent history, who was concerned about the risks of fluorescent lighting? Do you know about someone killed by lighting (not speaking about lightning ;-).
With proper lighting we can improve sleep, reduce length of stay and enhance natural healing of patients in hospitals, enhance work productivity and wellbeing at the workspaces in offices and factories/warehouses, and even increase academic performance of students. We can improve our well-being, wellness and overall health. We know how to do it, even if we do not know the fine details. So, what is more harmful, to apply what we know that works, with very low levels of risks (if any at all compared to drugs), or to wait until we have the full knowledge of the field? Do you stop eating because you do not know which is the best diet?
Paradoxically, while some media agents are evangelizing around the “Do no Harm” in “Human Centric Lighting”, the pharmaceutical industry is researching and developing chemical drugs that induce and enhance the effect of light in humans. Are we facing a new kind of Phoebus cartel in “Human Centric Lighting” as it happened around one hundred years ago with the incandescent bulb?
SunLike Series natural spectrum LEDs were awarded the Gold Award at the Elektronik Product of the Year 2018 Awards. (Photo: Business Wire)