Photobiological Safety for

DOMINANT LEDs

Background
The potential photobiological hazard of LEDs was initially being assessed to be similar to
laser in the laser safety standard by European Standard Organization. However, the
assessment does not truly represent the LEDs because the radiances difference in both
LED and lasers led to different applications as well as potential eye hazard levels. The
EN 60825 (equivalent to IEC 60825) standard was then further revised to accommodate
the issues. Finally, the LEDs were removed from the scope of IEC 60825-1:2007 and
published as IEC 62471:2006 Photobiological Safety of Lamps. The scope of this
standard applies to lamps and lamp systems safety including the safety of luminaires.

Hazard exposure limits (EL)

Optical radiation in general does not penetrate very deeply into biological tissues. The
blue light and infrared irradiated from LED primarily affects the eye and skin. Thus the
potential hazards for both blue light and infrared are governed by following distinct
exposure limits.
a. Retinal blue light hazard exposure limit
b. Blue light (small source) hazard exposure limits for the eye (cornea)
c. Infrared radiation hazard exposure limit for the eye (cornea)
d. Retinal thermal hazard exposure limit
e. Thermal hazard exposure limit for the skin
a. Blue light hazard exposure limits
For exposure time t 104 s, the maximum radiance from blue light shall not exceed the
level defined by equations below.
700
10 6
LB = L ( , t ) B ( )
[Wm 2 sr 1 ]
(1)
t
300 t
For exposure time t > 104 s, the radiance is limited to a constant value:
700

LB = L B( ) 100

[Wm 2 sr 1 ]

( 2)

300

where L is the spectral radiance in Wm-2sr-1nm-1, B is the blue light hazard weighting
function, is the bandwidth in nm and t in seconds.
The maximum permissible exposure duration, tmax for weighted source radiance, LB that
exceeding 100 Wm-2sr-1 within t 104 s is computed as follows:
10 6
t max =
[s]
(3)
LB
12/07/11

-1-

Ver B

Photobiological Safety for DOMINANT LED

1.0E+01

Spectralefficacy

1.0E+00

R()
1.0E01

1.0E02

1.0E03

B()
1.0E04
300

400

500

600

700 800 900

Wavelength(nm)

1000 1100 1200 1300 1400

Figure 1: Blue light weighting hazard function B() and thermal weighting hazard function R()

b. Blue light (small source) hazard exposure limits for the eye
For blue light source with size less than 0.011 radians, the EL derivation for exposure time
t 100 s can be simplified using spectral irradiance:
700
100
E B = E ( , t ) B( )
[Wm 2 ]
( 4)
t
300 t
For exposure time t > 100s, the radiance is limited to a constant value:
700

E B = e B( ) 1
300

[Wm 2 ]

(5)

where E is the spectral irradiance in Wm-2sr-1nm-1, B is the blue light hazard weighting
function, is the bandwidth in nm and t in seconds.
For blue light source weight irradiance, EB greater than 0.01 Wm-2 within t 100 s, the
maximum allowable exposure duration is calculated as followed:
100
t max =
[s]
(6)
EB

c. Infrared radiation hazard exposure limits for the eye

The exposure of infrared radiation within t 1000 s is restricted to:
3000
18000
E IR = E 0.75
[Wm 2 ]
t
780

12/07/11

(7 )

Ver B

Photobiological Safety for DOMINANT LED

For time t > 1000 s, the irradiance becomes independent to duration of exposure:
3000

E IR = E 100

[Wm 2 ]

(8)

780

where E is the spectral irradiance in Wm-2sr-1nm-1, given in nm and t in seconds. In

cold environments, the EL for t > 1000 s is increased to 400 Wm-2 at 0C and 300 Wm-2 at
10C.

d. Retinal thermal hazard exposure limits

Apparent light entering the pupil is focused by the cornea and lens. Then it is projected at
back of the eye where the retina lies and that defines the optical irradiation induced
stressed region. The angular substense, at a viewing distance, d can be determined by:
1 l+w
=
[rad ]
(9 )

d 2
with l and w are the length and width of the source respectively. Since the size of the pupil
changes with the level of luminance, the effective angular substense, eff of blue light at a
given exposure duration is listed in the table below.
Wavelength,
(nm)
380 - 1400

Duration, t (s)

min,eff , FOV (rad)

max,eff , FOV (rad)

t 0.25

0.0017

0.1

t 10

t
0.25
0.011

t 100

0.011

0.0017

0.25 < t <10

Blue Light
(Additional
remarks)

0.011

100 < t < 10000

t 10000

0.1

t
100

0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1

Table 1: Limits of the angular substense, and measurements field of view, FOV at different time range

For irradiance measurement, the angular substense, is defined by field of view, FOV
given in equation below.
F
eff = FOV =
[rad ]
(11)
r
where F is the size of the field stop and r is the distance source to detector.
The maximum EL to protect retinal from thermal injury is calculated based on the
integrated spectral radiance of the light source, L and weighting function, R(). The EL is
a function of exposure time, t and angular substense, from the source in radians when
10 s t 10 s.
1400
50000
L R = L R ( )
[Wm 2 sr 1 ]
(12)
0.25

t
380

12/07/11

Ver B

Photobiological Safety for DOMINANT LED

For longer exposure time, t > 10 s, the EL is defined by the near infrared range (weak
visual stimulus, 780 1400 nm) and limited to:
1400
6000
L IR = L R ( )
[Wm 2 sr 1 ]
(13)

780

Cornea
Light
Source

Retina

Figure 2: Angular substense, at a viewing distance, d.

Apparent
Source

Detector
/Aperture Stop

Field Stop, F

r
Figure 3: Alternative radiance measurement technique.

e. Thermal hazard exposure limit for skin

The highest EL of skin for t 10s shall be limited to:
3000
20000
E H = E ( , t ) 0.75
[ Jm 2 ]
t
380 t

(12)

where E is the spectral irradiance in Wm-2nm-1, given in nm and t in seconds. For

exposure longer than 10 s, EL is not provided because severe pain occurs before the skin
can be damaged.

12/07/11

Ver B

Photobiological Safety for DOMINANT LED

Lamp Classification
The following table, it summarizes the limits and potential risk group classification of lamps
constructed using blue light and infrared irradiated LED.
Risk Group
Risk Group 2
(Moderate
Risk)
LB < 4,000,000

Retinal Blue Light

Retinal Blue light,
small source ( < 0.011
rad)

LB < 100

Risk Group
1
(Low Risk)
LB < 10,000

EB < 1.0

EB < 1.0

EB < 400

Retinal thermal

LR < 28000/

LR < 28000/

LR < 71000/

LIR < 6000/

LIR < 6000/

LIR < 6000/

EIR < 100

EIR < 570

EIR < 3200

Hazard

Exempt
(No Hazard)

Retinal thermal,
weak visual stimulus
(including non-GLS
source)
IR radiation

Risk Group 3
(High Risk)

Unit
Wm-2sr-1
Wm-2

Warning when
exceeded
limits of Risk
Group 2

Wm-2sr-1
-2

-1

Wm sr
Wm-2

Table 3: Emission limits for risks group of continuous wave lamps.

The hazard value for lamps intended for general light service (GLS) is reported at distance
which produces a luminance of 500 lux. Meanwhile, the measurement distance for other
light sources is fixed at 200 mm.
The recommended control measure for each hazard risk groups is listed in the following
table.
Risk Group
Exempt
(No Hazard)

Hazard

Risk Group 1
(Low Risk)

Risk Group 2
(Moderate Risk)

Risk Group 3
(High Risk)

Not required

Do not stare at
operating lamp.
May be harmful to
the eyes.

Do not look at
operating lamp.
May result in eye
injury.

Do not stare at
operating lamp.

Do not stare at
operating lamp.

Do not look at
operating lamp.

Use appropriate
shielding for eyes

Avoid eye
exposure. Use
appropriate
shielding or eye
protection.

Avoid eye
exposure. Use
appropriate
shielding or eye
protection.

Retinal Blue Light

(300 700 nm)
Retinal Blue light,
small source

Not required

Retinal thermal
(380 1400 nm)
Retinal thermal, weak
visual stimulus (780
1400 nm)
Not required
IR radiation
(780 3000 nm)

Table 4: Recommended control measure for each hazard risk groups.

12/07/11

Ver B

Photobiological Safety for DOMINANT LED

Analysis
Majority of LED produce by Dominant is visible LED with wavelength spectrum fall into
range from 400nm to 700nm. Thus by default there is no risk of UV or IR radiation
exposure from these LED. The photobiological risk of visible LED is hence confined to
blue light hazard and retinal thermal hazard. Table below summarized the maximum
brightness part number from each platforms of LED produced in Dominant.
Blue

White

Platform

PartNo.

Maximum
Luminous
Flux[lm]

Risk
Hazard

Platform

PartNo.

Maximum
Luminous
Flux[lm]

SPNova

NPBJSG

27.0

RG1

KNova

NKWRGG

113.6

Exempt

PowerDomi

DWBLJG

2.7

Exempt

SPNova

NPWRSD

113.6

Exempt

Domi

DDBHJS

1.3

Exempt

Primax

NAWBSG

39.8

Exempt

MiniDomi

DNBDZJS

1.3

Exempt

PowerDomi

DWWWJG

8.9

Exempt

MultiDomi

D6RTBHJD

1.2

Exempt

Domi

DDWWJG

7.5

Exempt

Spice

SSBHLD

0.4

Exempt

MiniDomi

DNWUJG

2.7

Exempt

Spice

SSWHLD

1.3

Exempt

Through
holeLED

L5BN1500

1.0

RG1

Through
holeLED

L5WN1500

4.0

RG1

Risk
Hazard

Table 5: List of LED with the maximum brightness part number from each platform.

Two of the highest brightness LED platform, SPNova Blue and KNova White is selected
as vehicle for photobiological measurement and classification (Please refer to appendix).
Besides that, the emission from Dominant major LED group, the DomiLED White and the
narrow beam group of Through-hole LED were also presented.
These LEDs are placed at a distance, d = 200 mm and powered up with IF = 350 mA
except that the DomiLED/Through hole LED is driven at IF = 20 mA.
The result indicates that SPNova Blue is classified under Risk Group 1 (Low Risk).
However, KNovaLED White falls into the Exempt Group category. The emission from
DomiLED White is also classified under the Exempt Group. Both Through-hole LED of
Blue and White are classified under Risk Group 1 (Low Risk).

Summary
Based on the measurement result, it is proven that the worst case exposure scenario in
Dominant visible LED product range is classified under Risk Group 1 (Low Risk).
However, this assessment applies to the LED components alone. For custom application
that involves module integration and secondary optics, power density would be one of the
additional factor to be considered into the analysis.

12/07/11

Ver B

Photobiological Safety for DOMINANT LED

Appendix I
LEDType

SPNovaBLUE

Luminousflux
PeakWavelength
Color
SmallSource
PeakIrradiancemeasured,E

27.0lmatIF =350mA,T=25C
455 nm
Blue
Yes
1.134Wm2 atT=25C(Refertochartbelow)

Risk Group Categories for Continuous Wave

RiskFactor

RiskGroupResult

ActinicUV,ES(200400nm)
NearUV,EUVA(315400nm)
BlueLight,LB(300700nm)
BlueLightSmallSource,EB(300700nm)
RetinalThermal,LR(3801400nm)
RetinalThermalWeakStimulus,LR(3801400nm)
InfraredRadiationforeye,LIR(7803000nm)

Exempt**
Exempt**
RiskGroup1(LowRisk)
Exempt
Exempt
Exempt**
Exempt**

**No emission in the wavelength range of the listed risk category.

Irradiance Profile at 200 mm

Irradiancevs.AngleofIncidence
(Distancesourcetodetector=200mm)

1.5

Irradiance(Wm2)

90
1.0

0.5

0.0
90

60

30

30

60

90

Anglefromcentralaxis()

Spectrum
SpectralRadiantIntensity
(Distancesourcetodetector=200mm)
1.4E03

Intensity(Wsr1nm1)

1.2E03
1.0E03
8.0E04
6.0E04
4.0E04
2.0E04
0.0E+00
300

350

400

450

500

550

600

650

700

750

800

Wavelength(nm)

12/07/11

Ver B

Photobiological Safety for DOMINANT LED

Appendix II
LEDType

KNovaLED

Luminousflux
PeakWavelength
Wavelengthmeasured
Color
SmallSource
PeakIrradiancemeasured,E

113.6lmatIF =350mA,T=25C
455nm
300 800nm
White
No
0.902Wm2 atT=25C(Refertochartbelow)

Risk Group Categories for Continuous Wave

RiskFactor

RiskGroupResult

ActinicUV,ES(200400nm)
NearUV,EUVA(315400nm)
BlueLight,LB(300700nm)
BlueLightSmallSource,EB(300700nm)
RetinalThermal,LR(3801400nm)
RetinalThermalWeakStimulus,LR(3801400nm)
InfraredRadiationforeye,LIR(7803000nm)

Exempt**
Exempt**
Exempt
Exempt
Exempt
Exempt**
Exempt**

**No emission in the wavelength range of the listed risk category.

Irradiance Profile at 200 mm

Irradiance vs.AngleofIncide nce
(Distance source tode te ctor= 200m m )

1 .5

0
90
) 1 .0
m
W
(
e
c
n
ia
d
ar 0 .5
Ir

0 .0
9 0

6 0

3 0
0
30
Angle from ce ntralaxis ()

60

90

Spectrum
SpectralRadiantIntensity
(Distancesourcetodetector=200mm)
5.0E04

Intensity(Wsr1nm1)

4.0E04
3.0E04
2.0E04
1.0E04
0.0E+00
300

350

400

450

500

550

600

650

700

750

800

Wavelength(nm)

12/07/11

Ver B

Photobiological Safety for DOMINANT LED

Appendix III
LEDType

DomiLED

Luminousflux
PeakWavelength
Wavelengthmeasured
Color
SmallSource
PeakIrradiancemeasured,E

7.5 lmatIF =20mA,T=25C

445nm
300 800nm
White
No
0.074Wm2 atT=25C(Refertochartbelow)

Risk Group Categories for Continuous Wave

RiskFactor

RiskGroupResult

ActinicUV,ES(200400nm)
NearUV,EUVA(315400nm)
BlueLight,LB(300700nm)
BlueLightSmallSource,EB(300700nm)
RetinalThermal,LR(3801400nm)
RetinalThermalWeakStimulus,LR(3801400nm)
InfraredRadiationforeye,LIR(7803000nm)

Exempt**
Exempt**
Exempt
Exempt
Exempt
Exempt**
Exempt**

**No emission in the wavelength range of the listed risk category.

Irradiance Profile at 200 mm
Irradiancevs.AngleofIncidence
(Distancesourcetodetector=200mm)
0.10
0
0.08

90

)
m 0.06
W
(
ce
n
ai 0.04
d
ar
Ir

0.02

0.00
90

60

30

30

60

90

Anglefromcentralaxis()

Spectrum
SpectralRadiantIntensity
(Distancesourcetodetector=200 mm)
2.5E05

Intensity(Wsr1nm1)

2.0E05

1.5E05

1.0E05

5.0E06

0.0E+00
300

350

400

450

500

550

600

650

700

750

800

Wavelength(nm)

12/07/11

Ver B

Photobiological Safety for DOMINANT LED

Appendix IV
LEDType

ThroughholeLED

Luminousflux
PeakWavelength
Color
SmallSource
PeakIrradiancemeasured,E

1.0 lmatIF =20 mA,T=25C

465 nm
Blue
Yes
1.109 Wm2 atT=25C(Refertochartbelow)

Risk Group Categories for Continuous Wave

RiskFactor

RiskGroupResult

ActinicUV,ES(200400nm)
NearUV,EUVA(315400nm)
BlueLight,LB(300700nm)
BlueLightSmallSource,EB(300700nm)
RetinalThermal,LR(3801400nm)
RetinalThermalWeakStimulus,LR(3801400nm)
InfraredRadiationforeye,LIR(7803000nm)

Exempt**
Exempt**
RiskGroup1(LowRisk)
Exempt
Exempt
Exempt**
Exempt**

**No emission in the wavelength range of the listed risk category.

Irradiance Profile at 200 mm

Spectrum

12/07/11

10

Ver B

Photobiological Safety for DOMINANT LED

Appendix v
LEDType

ThroughholeLED

Luminousflux
PeakWavelength
Wavelengthmeasured
Color
SmallSource
PeakIrradiancemeasured,E

4.0 lmatIF =20 mA,T=25C

460 nm
300 800nm
White
Yes
0.756 Wm2 atT=25C(Refertochartbelow)

Risk Group Categories for Continuous Wave

RiskFactor

RiskGroupResult

ActinicUV,ES(200400nm)
NearUV,EUVA(315400nm)
BlueLight,LB(300700nm)
BlueLightSmallSource,EB(300700nm)
RetinalThermal,LR(3801400nm)
RetinalThermalWeakStimulus,LR(3801400nm)
InfraredRadiationforeye,LIR(7803000nm)

Exempt**
Exempt**
RiskGroup1(LowRisk)
Exempt
Exempt
Exempt**
Exempt**

**No emission in the wavelength range of the listed risk category.

Irradiance Profile at 200 mm

Spectrum

12/07/11

11

Ver B