Lighting Science Group will begin putting labels on light bulbs alerting consumers to the potential link between health and lighting products—specifically highlighting how exposure to electric lights prior to bedtime may cause sleep disruption and other effects.

Former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Louis W. Sullivan, MD, applauded the effort, saying in a release: “Providing helpful information to the public is important and necessary to protect and enhance the health of our citizens. Many studies have found that lighting has a significant biological effect—impacting sleep, alertness, and many other physiological functions.”

Fred Maxik, founder and chief technology officer of Lighting Science, says, “The effect of light on human health and wellness is meaningful and well documented. We decided it was time to be proactive and raise awareness of those effects. This warning actually belongs on all light bulbs produced worldwide and we’d hope that other lighting developers and manufacturers will join us in adding similar labels to their products.”

Lighting Science has always placed a strong emphasis on science and technology-based lighting solutions. The company initially garnered attention through its partnership with NASA, designing lights to improve the alertness and sleep patterns of astronauts on the International Space Station. “Lighting Science Group views our role in much broader terms than simply a traditional lighting company,” says chairman Craig Cogut. “Our focus is the impact of lighting on health and we are using new scientific findings and technological advances as the basis for product development.”

Lighting Science’s Rhythm Series leverages the company’s focus on sleep improvement with biologically-oriented products such as the Sleepy Baby and Good Night lights. The company’s scope of products has expanded in recent years to include the Avenue Series, which focuses on outdoor lights for communities and roadways; the Marquee Series, filament bulbs inspired by vintage designs; and a variety of other products that seek to address issues in the realms of agriculture, wildlife protection, and energy efficiency.

“It’s a revolutionary time for Lighting Science,” says CEO Ed Bednarcik. “We want to lead the way in helping to inform customers, as well as providing solutions for utilizing light more effectively and safely.” The first new labels will begin appearing on packages in specific channels later this summer, with a full rollout planned in the following months.