Full spectrum light bulbs are fluorescent light bulbs that emit light similar to the natural light that is beneficial for plant growth. It covers the electromagnetic wavelength of infrared to the near violet. The term “full spectrum” is a marketing term for lighting that imitates the features of sunlight.
Lighting industries use the CRI or Color Rendering Index to specify the bulb’s capacity to render colors in objects. Another important consideration in the identification of natural hues in objects is its own color temperature. A 90-100 index rating is the best imitation of the stimulating quality of natural sunlight.
There are some incandescent bulbs marketed under the term “full spectrum” even if they do not have the color temperature of 5000K, which is the temperature of the sun direct to the object at noon. However, they also filter out the common harsh yellow tint of standard incandescent bulbs. Bulbs that are inexpensive usually have a low color temperature and are labeled as “cool white.” These bulbs do not give off the same lighting quality that is most desirable in full spectrum light bulbs.
Artists generally use full spectrum light bulbs as they paint during the night. It assures the accurate appearance of natural hues on the canvass, which would also be the lighting texture in art galleries where the paintings would be displayed. Such lighting is also similar to art studios and homes that have north sunlight. The same is true for color scientists who match colors in paint stores that have no access to natural light. Since fluorescent lamps emit a small amount of ultraviolet rays which could affect valuable art work such as painting in watercolors, full-spectrum lighting is used to prevent such damage.
In gardening, light is essential for the plant’s photosynthesis which is crucial for its growth. Lighting fixtures such as full spectrum lamps ensures the adequate light exposure beneficial to plants all year-round.
In dealing with some health disorders, full spectrum light bulbs provide the necessary lighting for the treatment of seasonal affective disorder. Used in what is called light boxes, they replace the much needed environmental stimulus in ordinary sunlight for the regulation of the circadian cycles. This is of great importance in places during winter months that has less sunlight. Non-seasonal depression and a number of psychiatric disturbances such as bipolar disorder, postpartum depression and major depressive disorders, may also benefit from the natural light’s anti-depressive efficacy. Aside from improving mood, full spectrum lighting may also improve learning ability and behavior.
