The bright and dark sides of blue light

Abstract

In the spectrum of visual radiation the blue light covers the range from about 440 nm to about 490 nm. The scientific reports about significant importance of blue light in human chronobiology, photosynthesis of plants and human health have been published since about 2000. It was demonstrated that blue light could influence human health both positively (sleep and circadian rhythm disorders treatment, enhancement of psychophysical performance and vigilance) and negatively (potential photochemical retinal injury, hormone dependent cancers development). The article presents selected aspects of blue light effects on human body as well as positive and negative results of exposure to that light.