A Glaring Oversight: Fluorescent Lighting Hazardous to Student Health and Learning

    PEORIA, AZ, October 27, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Research suggests that improper lighting in schools significantly affects children's health and their ability to learn. Most conventional light sources that we use for indoor illumination actually confuse our bodies and immune systems and cause undue stress that throws our body chemistry out of balance. This is particularly disruptive for growing children.

Almost without exception, there is dislike of fluorescent lights. School studies have demonstrated that fluorescent lights encourage hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder, and cause an increase in stress hormones ACTH and Cortisol. The increased presence of these stress hormones in the body have been linked, in other studies, to heightened anxiety, fear, and impulsive behavior including violence and substance abuse.

To raise awareness and address this issue, Science of Light (SOL), a 501(c)3 non-profit has started a crowdfunding campaign with an initial goal of $100,000. SOL's Enlightened School's Grant Program is a full-spectrum LED lighting retrofit designed to intrinsically improve more than just energy efficiency. Inspired by photo biology pioneer, Dr. John Ott's innovative research on children, light & learning -- the Program will improve student scholastic performance as well as enhance the health and wellness of students, teachers and staff. The use of energy efficient LED lights will also reduce a school's carbon footprint and energy costs associated with lighting. The Program will provide SOLshine 'biologically beneficial' lighting, free of cost, for selected K-12 schools and is expected to commence January 2016.

According to SOL's Executive Director, Ken Ceder, "The implication here is that lights our children and teachers spend prolonged periods under every week are significantly contributing, if not actually causing learning, behavior and health problems."

Armed with experience of more than 25 years in health lighting R&D, marketing and sales, SOL is committed to enlightened social activism. SOL plans to support their mission by the sale of SOLshine lighting products as well as sponsorships and donations from supporters interested in educational, environmental and children's health advocacy. The funds raised from the campaign will be utilized to launch the Grant Program and purchase initial inventories.

Science of Light (SOL) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization focused on biologically beneficial light for enhanced vitality and well-being. SOL is dedicated to the memory of pioneering photo biologist, Dr. John Ott -- the father of full-spectrum light technology. SOL works to educate and raise awareness of Mal-illumination, a condition that Dr. Ott likened to malnutrition and to support the Enlightened Schools Grant Program.

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