On November 6th at the China International Import Expo, TÜV Rheinland and Healthe announced the release of the first of its kind white paper on blue light management for the display industry entitled “Blue Light Management for the Display Industry and Health Impacts”. The white paper was developed in collaboration with Healthe’s Vision Health Advisory Board of internationally recognized optometrists and ophthalmologists that aim to bring greater awareness to health issues in consumer electronics and advocate solutions for the industry.
The white paper offers an overview of high-energy visible blue light from displays, health and safety concerns, and recommendations on effective management of blue light for manufacturers and consumers.
As daily screen time from phones, tablets, computers and virtual reality is increasing, so is consumption of high-energy visible blue light. Because we use these devices for extended periods of time and in close proximity, the negative consequences are becoming clear. The white paper covers the proven impacts of blue light exposure to the natural sleep cycles of the body and the growing body of research that suggests other negative health impacts.
Presenting the white paper at the China International Import Expo were Jay Yang, Vice President of Electrical, TÜV Rheinland Greater China, and Jeffrey Rageth, Board Advisory, Healthe.
“Our review has included peer-reviewed studies and new guiding research on the health impacts of blue light exposure from displays. Our conclusion is that blue light should be managed more effectively, especially for cumulative and close-use of displays and within the most toxic blue light spectrum,” noted Dr. David Friess, internationally-recognized optometrist and chair of the Vision Health Advisory Board.
The announcement follows the recent announcement of the TÜV Retina Protection Factor (RPF) standard, which designates the RPF level of blue light filtration. TÜV Rheinland has announced a new certification for light filtration for the world’s screen protection manufacturers. The TÜV RPF certification identifies for customers the level of high-energy visible blue light being filtered from the device display. Given concerns within the eye care community around cumulative digital blue light exposure from screens, the world’s suppliers of device panels and accessory screen covers are integrating blue light filtration into their products.
“The TÜV RPF Standard is an important step and evolution for the display industry related to eye and human health. The integration of effective blue light management is a critical step towards long-term health, especially as device use only continues to increase in the global population,” mentioned Dr. Robert Weinstock.
To download a copy of the white paper, follow the link here.
About Healthe:
Healthe is a worldwide supplier of Eyesafe® blue light filtering technology for the world’s leading device manufacturers. Eyesafe technology and associated intellectual property portfolio was developed by world-class engineers and a team with decades in electronics, display materials, and light management to selectively filter UV and high-energy visible (HEV) blue light while maintaining color quality. Similar to sunscreen, Eyesafe technology has an RPF® or Retina Protection Factor rating which corresponds to the amount of blue light energy filtered. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Healthe works to develop technologies and standards in conjunction with leaders in the eye care community. To learn more about Healthe and Eyesafe® technology, please visit Eyesafe.com. Eyesafe®, RPF™, and Retina Protection Factor are registered trademarks of Healthe.
About TÜV Rheinland:
TÜV Rheinland is a global leader in independent inspection services, founded 145 years ago. The group maintains a worldwide presence of more than 20,000 people; annual turnover is nearly EUR 2 billion. Its independent experts are committed to ensuring quality and safety for people, technology, and the environment in nearly all aspects of life. TÜV Rheinland inspects technical equipment, products, and services, oversees projects, and helps to shape processes and information security for companies. Its experts train people in a wide range of careers and industries. To this end, TÜV Rheinland employs a global network of approved labs and centers for testing and education. Since 2006, TÜV Rheinland has been a member of the United Nations Global Compact to promote sustainability and combat corruption. Website: www.tuv.com