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What is the background behind California State Senate Resolution SCR-73?

Resolution SCR-73 sponsored by Dr. Richard Pan, Chair of the California Senate Committee on Health was introduced on August 21, 2019 for the purpose of bringing public awareness to the growing body of evidence coming out from the medical community regarding the impacts of extended exposure to artificial high-energy visible (HEV) blue light emitted from consumer electronic devices. In addition to unanimous passage by the California Senate, the Blue Light Awareness Resolution for October 10, 2019, was ratified by the California Assembly on a vote of 70-0.

Licensed pediatrician and former UC Davis educator, Dr. Pan is a California State Senator representing the Sacramento area. As a practicing pediatrician, Dr. Pan, like many in his profession, is concerned with the growing amount of exposure to blue light, especially by children and adolescents from digital devices, and the potential long-term negative impacts that this exposure may be creating.

Dr. Richard Pan’s SCR 73 Establishes October 10th as Blue Light Awareness Day in California

 

What does SCR-73 include?

SCR-73 identifies known and potential health hazards associated with exposure to high-energy blue light from devices for children and adults. The Resolution urges consumers to consider taking protective safety measures in reducing eye exposure to high-energy visible blue light. Full language from the Resolution is found here.

 

Eyesafe is a proud supporter of the Blue Light Awareness Day campaign.

Find more information, a global call to action, a video introduction from Senator Pan, and 5 helpful tips in the blue light fight here:  https://bluelightawarenessday.org/

 

 

What does SCR-73  and Blue Light Awareness Day mean for the Electronics Industry?

This issue is expected to gain momentum as other States and Countries consider similar resolutions and actions around blue light education and awareness.
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Learn more about blue light and health issues here and solutions for electronics manufacturers here. For more information about SCR-73, please see the published Resolution from the California Legislature or contact us. TÜV Rheinland and Eyesafe will be hosting a webinar for display manufacturers to learn more about blue light, solutions and certification.

 

What leaders in eye care and electronics are saying:

 

Jeff Todd, President and Chief Executive Officer Prevent Blindness:

“For over 100 years, Prevent Blindness has been dedicated to protecting and preserving eyesight; what protection means in the digital age, however, is ensuring that, with all the advances in technology and the increased amount of time we spend on devices, we continue to research and educate about how such advances may impact the human eye.  Resolution SCR-73 passed by the California State Legislature sends a message to the eye care sector, electronics manufacturers, parents and educators that we need to be taking the issue of blue light emissions and extended exposure to digital screens seriously, and undertake the necessary research to fully understand its impact.  We commend the State of California for recognizing vision and eye health as an important public health issue in the context of emerging concerns related to blue light emissions.  We are encouraged that leaders in the state of California recognize the importance of healthy vision and we look forward to continuing to support robust, evidence-based research that can give us further insight into this important health issue.”

 

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Ashley Mills, CEO Vision Council:

“World Sight Day, The Vision Council applauds the California State Legislature for recognizing the importance of the vision health of its citizens. In order to help ensure healthy eyesight, we recommend people of all ages have an annual eye exam to diagnose possible eye disease, identify changes in vision, update prescriptions, and find the appropriate vision correction solution. Every day there are new innovations in eyecare and eyewear to help patients deal with digital eye strain and other vision issues. We encourage everyone to do their own research, visit with an eye care provider, and determine the right eyecare solutions for them and their families.”

 

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Select Members of the CEDARS/ASPENS:

Members of the CEDARS/ASPENS including Dr. Sheri Rowen, Dr. Robert Weinstock, Dr. Mitch Jackson and Dr. William Trattler are pleased to support the recent passage by the State of California, announcing their Blue Light Resolution, CA SCR-73, which passed unanimously by both the California state Senate and Assembly.

This is a key moment for electronics manufacturers and eye health practitioners  to help address the issues involving blue light device health and safety supporting millions of consumers and patients.  With more than 80 million electronic devices with digital screens in the state of California, and average screen time exceeding 9 hours per day, exposure to blue light from devices has become a serious health topic. 

With growing concern around the health impacts of extended exposure to blue light from devices, Senator Dr. Richard Pan (D-Sacramento), Chair of the Senate Health Committee, sponsored the unanimous passing by the Senate and Assembly of the California Blue Light Resolution for announcement on October 10th as Blue Light Awareness Day.

 

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Steve Bain, SVP ZAGG:

“InvisibleShield recognizes the continued leadership of the state of California to bring important public health issues to the forefront. We are strong proponents of protecting our eyes from high energy visible blue light, and together with our partner Eyesafe, we’re working to infuse blue light filtration technology into our line of best-in-class screen protectors. We look forward to collaborating with legislators and lawmakers, in addition to other key stakeholders in this effort, namely parents, educators, and executives in the business world.”