How to Select a Light Therapy Box for Seasonal Depression

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, seasonal depression that occurs during fall and winter months due to a lack of sunlight affects approximately 4 to 6% of people. Seasonal Affective Disorder, also called SAD, can affect another 10 to 20% of people and is four times more likely to occur in women than in men. SAD is also more common in northern locations such as Washington state as opposed to a more southern and sunny state like Florida

Light therapy with a medical phototherapy lamp, also called a light therapy box, can help to alleviate some symptoms of seasonal depression although can be more effective when combined with additional treatments such as psychotherapy and antidepressant medication

How Light Therapy Treatment for Depression Work

Light therapy boxes mimic outdoor sunlight, which is believed to cause a chemical change in the brain that eases symptoms of seasonal depression and lifts your mood. Generally, a light therapy box should emit as little UV light as possible and should provide an exposure to 10,000 lux of light

Recommendations for using light therapy include:

• Using for about 20 to 30 minutes within the first hour of waking up

• Have your eyes open but do not look directly at the light

• Keep the lamp a distance of 16 to 24 inches away from your face

Light therapy boxes are designed with special medical phototherapy lamps. Some people might think that a tanning bed provides the same benefit although this is not true. Tanning bed lamps are quite different and are known to increase the risk of skin cancer. While light therapy for seasonal depression is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, FDA, they are designed to be safe and effective.

Your doctor can help to recommend a specific type of light therapy box, although you can buy one without a prescription and most health insurance plans will not cover the cost.

Considerations When Choosing a Light Therapy Box

It is best to speak with your doctor about your symptoms and for help in choosing the right type of light therapy treatment. For people with bipolar disorder, too much exposure could induce manic symptoms. People with eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, or eye damage from diabetes should speak with their eye doctor before beginning phototherapy

When choosing a light therapy box make sure that it is specifically designed to treat seasonal depression. Many medical phototherapy lamps are designed to treat skin disorders such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and vitiligo. Medical therapy lamps designed for skin conditions are not the same as lamps designed for depression.  Tanning lamps and UVC germicidal lamps are also not designed with the same wavelength and can cause harm instead of benefits if used incorrectly.

LightSources is a leading global supplier of UV lamp solutions including medical phototherapy lamps. We provide high-tech, custom designed and engineered lamps for a wide range of applications and industries, including phototherapy. Contact us for high-quality UV lamp solutions including light therapy lamps for seasonal depression.

UV Lamps in Your Furnace Disinfect the Air

Ultraviolet (UV) light has very distinct properties and when emitted in the short wave UVC range, it is very effective at killing germs.  UV light is emitted in different wavelengths known as UVA, UVB and UVC.  UVA and UVB reach the earth and are what causes the common sunburn, whereas UVC energy is absorbed by the ozone layer.  UV lamp engineers recreate UVC energy in powerful germ-killing lamps that quickly eliminate harmful pathogens to sterilize surfaces and the air in mere seconds. 

How Do UVC Lamps Sterilize Air?

UVC lamps sterilize the air by quickly eliminating harmful germs including bacteria and viruses.  UV wavelengths are measured in nanometers (nm) and UV light at the 254 nm range is proven very effective at destroying germs. UVC electromagnetic energy penetrates the DNA of these cells and renders them unable to replicate.  A cell that cannot replicate is considered harmless. 

UVC Lamps in Furnaces

UVC lamps are the key to disinfection in surface, water, and air purification systems.  UVC disinfection lamps can be mounted in furnaces and HVAC systems to eliminate the growth of mold or mildew inside the unit itself and to sterilize the air as it passes through the lamp’s wavelengths.  UVC germicidal lamps in furnaces help to prevent the spread of airborne disease while also improving equipment performance.  Mold and mildew tend to build up in damp, dark places like the inside of a furnace, UV lamps improve equipment performance for longer lasting use with less maintenance required. 

According to this article by the National Institutes of Health, UVC lamps effectively reduce contamination of fungi in HVAC air handling systems. 

UVC Lamps for Furnaces

LightSources offers germicidal UVC lamps for air purification when installed in furnaces and HVAC systems.  UVC germicidal lamps designed to emit 185 nm produce ozone, another type of disinfection lamp that can travel in the air with an oxidative effect to eliminate foul odors. UV lamps should be installed by a professional for furnace and HVAC disinfection. 

LightSources offers UVC germicidal lamp solutions to OEMs of all sizes.  We provide a wide selection of high-tech, high-quality germicidal lamps and offer custom designed solutions to meet the specifications of your air purification system.  Contact us to speak with an engineer about UV lamps for furnace disinfection applications. 

UV Technology Provides Water Sterilization Solutions

Ultraviolet (UV) technology is proven to provide powerful disinfection and sterilization properties to surfaces, air and water.  Ultraviolet radiation immediately kills viruses, bacteria, germs and harmful microorganisms within seconds upon contact. UV water sterilization systems are utilized worldwide in many applications such as:

• Wastewater treatment

• Drinking water for municipalities

• Aquaculture

• Ballast water treatment in ships

• Many other water treatment applications

Wastewater Treatment

UV water sterilization systems are used in water reclamation and wastewater treatment applications worldwide to deliver safe water to cities, towns, villages, rural areas and farms. UV water treatment systems are safe and effective and leave no harmful chemical byproducts.

Drinking Water for Municipalities

UV water sterilization systems treat drinking water for municipalities to remove harmful bacteria and parasites known to cause illnesses. Ultraviolet radiation kills some germs that chlorine doesn’t and leaves no harmful chemical residue.

Ballast Water Treatment in Ships

The Ballast Water Management Convention was recently ratified by enough countries and passed for global enforcement, requiring all ships that sail in international waters to have an onboard ballast water treatment system.  Contaminated ballast water is one of the greatest threats to the sustainability of the planet’s oceans. UV technology is effectively used in onboard ballast water treatment systems and meets all regulations including US Coast Guard approval.

Aquaculture Treatment with UV Systems

UV systems are used in many aquaculture applications to clean and sterilize water for marine life. UV treatment systems are used in many aquaculture applications such as in fish hatcheries and reserves to promote healthy marine life.

UV water treatment systems are an important part of these water applications and many others to effectively kill germs and harmful contaminants in water. UVC radiation is proven to be highly effective, completely safe and cost-efficient with quality lamps providing long-lasting effectiveness which require minimal maintenance.

LightSources is a leading manufacturer of high-tech lamps and lighting solutions including UVC germicidal lamps. We design, engineer and manufacture patented products developed with proprietary technology proven to outperform comparable lamps. Contact us to speak with an engineer about our UVC germicidal solutions for surface, air and water treatment systems.

High Tech Specialty Fluorescent Lamp Technology

High Tech Specialty Fluorescent Lamp Technology

Specialty fluorescent lamp technology is required in many applications around the globe. Miniature fluorescent lamps are used in a wide range of industries such as:

• Interior lighting for automobiles

• Avionic display lighting

• Aerospace lighting and display

• Computer and electronics backlighting

• Fluorescent lamps used in architectural design

• Lighting for businesses, warehouses and many commercial industries

LCD Lighting (LCDL) is a valued partner company to the LightSources Group, offering specialty fluorescent lamps in these applications and many others. The LightSources Group consists of the most skilled and advanced lamp designers and manufacturers available. LCDL shares the same commitment to quality and continual improvement, providing innovative lamp solutions which deliver high-performance with long-lasting effectiveness.

Innovative Lamp Solutions with Proprietary Technology

Painstaking research and development combined with in-depth expertise allows LCDL to offer patented lighting solutions developed with proprietary technology.  Innovative, proprietary products which are proven to deliver longer lasting, effective performance and cost savings include:

• Long-Life™

• Ultra-Bright™

• Robo-Bend

• High CRI (color rendering index)

Long-Life™ Fluorescent Lamp Technology

Long-Life™ lamp technology is proven to provide longer-lasting effective performance over comparable fluorescent lamps with up to 60,000 hours, or nearly 7 years, of reliable performance.  Long-Life™ technology outperforms comparable T8 and T5 lamps which significantly reduces lighting and maintenance expenses.

Ultra-Bright™

Ultra-Bright provides twice the amount of lumens / watts for greater visual enhancement in many manufacturing and industrial processes.  Ultra-Bright delivers brighter, uniform and longer-lasting lighting manufactured with advanced materials.

Robo-Bend

Robo-Bend is a unique, innovative lighting solution which allows bending of 8 or 9 mm serpentine cold or hot cathode lamps. This provides significant energy efficiency savings and reduces power loss.

High CRI (Color Rendering Index)

LCDL has developed innovative lamp technology with rare earth tri-phosphors which achieves more natural colors than has been achievable by other lamp manufacturers.

The LightSources Group and LCD Lighting deliver the most innovative, high-tech lamps and lighting solutions available. We deliver longer-lasting, high-performance lamps which provide significant cost savings. Contact us to speak with an engineer about our innovative lighting solutions and specialty fluorescent lamps.

High Pressure UV Curing Lamps Solutions

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a powerful source of energy used in a multitude of commercial and industrial applications. Ultraviolet light is a proven method of sterilization in water and air purification systems with instant germ killing effects. UV light is also used in curing processes to instantly bond, harden and strengthen various polymers.

UV curing lamps are used in many commercial manufacturing applications such as automotive, aerospace, medical and many more to strength and add durability to various products.  UV light instantly cures inks on many products for vibrant colors and permanent quality printing that will not wear off. UV curing lamps provide a smooth finish to lacquers, glazes and varnishes and improve cycle times with instant results.

With UV curing there is no need to wait for products to air dry which exposes them to dust, debris and evaporation leading to uneven finishes. UV curing improves quality, product cycle time, customer satisfaction and profitability.  

LightSources Offers Proven High Pressure UV Curing Lamps

Metal halide, high-pressure lamps are proven effective in UV curing applications worldwide. High pressure curing lamps peak at the range of 254 nm to 365 nm, providing effective curing along with sterilization effects. UV radiation emitted at 254 nm is proven to instantly kills germs, viruses and bacteria.

LightSources offers a wide selection of UV curing lamps and UVC germicidal lamps for use in a multitude of commercial and industrial applications.  We offer a full OEM support with custom designed solutions, prototypes and assistance in developing proprietary products to enhance your brand awareness. We continually deliver first to market solutions with proprietary products and custom phosphor blends.

LightSources is a leading global supplier of UV lamps and lighting solutions and is  recognized as an authority on UV radiation applications. We design, engineer and manufacture UV lamps used in a wide range of applications including UV curing and UV see germicidal processes. Contact us for more information and to speak with an engineer.

UV Light Instantly Cures Polymers

Ultraviolet (UV) light is utilized in many industrial and commercial applications to instantly cure, harden and strengthen polymers quickly and effectively. UV light instantly causes a photochemical reaction when exposed to polymers such as epoxies, lacquers, glues, polyurethane and various polymers. UV curing offers many benefits over other drying methods such as air drying or the use of chemicals. 

Benefits of UV Curing

Improved Quality 

UV curing offers many benefits due to the instant drying time which does not allow for evaporation as can occur with air drying. The instant curing provides a more consistent surface with no chance of dust or particles drying in the coating and is smooth compared to air dried surfaces, which produces a higher quality of product. 

Increased Production 

With instant curing, cycle times are increased and productivity is maximized for increased production. UV curing is instant, quicker than air drying or the use of chemicals, which pose additional challenges for companies. 

Safe for Employees 

UV curing is completely safe, with no need to purchase, store or dispose of harmful chemicals. Parts can pass under UV light while on a conveyor or other automated system without the need for employees to apply chemicals which may be hazardous to health. 

All of these benefits equate to increased profitability with a higher level of quality product produced in quicker cycles. Improved quality results in increased customer satisfaction with new and repeat business opportunities. 

LightSources Delivers Quality UV Curing Lamps 

The LightSources Group designs, engineers and manufactures high quality lamps used in UV curing systems worldwide. LightSources in the U.S. and LightTech in Europe offer skilled engineers with in-depth knowledge of Ultraviolet radiation combined with decades of experience and vast resources. We support OEMs large and small with high quality lamps which outperform comparable products for long lasting performance. 

LightSources and our valued partner companies are the leading global high-tech lamp designers, providing the most advanced warehouse and lighting solutions available today. We have decades of expertise and in-depth knowledge of the technology behind UV radiation to provide the optimum lamp style for your process. Contact us today to speak with a knowledgeable engineer about the UV curing solution that meets your specifications.

UV Lamps Provide Instant Polymer Curing

Ultraviolet (UV) lamps are proven highly effective at instantly curing a wide variety of polymers in a multitude of industrial applications. Polymers which respond to UV curing lamps include various inks, lacquers, varnishes, epoxies, polyurethane, silicone and coatings. These coatings are applied to various parts and products such as in printing applications and manufacturing processes which include printing on parts or sealing an outer coating on various parts and products. 

The UV lamp is a catalyst for a photochemical reaction which occurs instantly within seconds of exposure. The UV radiation causes the polymer to instantly seal and bond with products, creating a strengthened and more durable product.  UV curing provides many advantages over other methods of curing polymers such as air drying or the use of chemicals. Using chemicals creates a potential hazard and added expenses with purchasing, storing and disposing of the chemical in addition to potential health risks to employees.

Air drying is another simple method of applying outer coatings although does not seal in the polymer as with the use of UV technology. Air drying creates an uneven surface due to evaporation and leaves the outer coating vulnerable without the added strength and durability provided with UV curing. UV curing lamps deliver fast and consistent methods of bonding and during outer coatings for strength and durability without contamination or evaporation. 

Reliable UV Curing Lamps

For the most reliable and effective UV curing lamps, consult the leading UV specialists at LightSources. The LightSources Group is recognized as a leading supplier and authority on UV technology, with a deep understanding of UV technology within the entire lighting spectrum, including UVA, UVB and UVC technology. We design, engineer and manufacture UVC germicidal lamps used worldwide in critical sterilization processes, and UV curing lamps used by OEMs large and small in a wide range of applications. 

LightSources and our valued partner companies are the leading global high-tech lamp designers, providing the most advanced warehouse and lighting solutions available today. We have decades of expertise and in-depth knowledge of the technology behind UV radiation to provide the optimum lamp style for your process. Contact us today to speak with a knowledgeable engineer about the UV curing solution that meets your specifications.