Date:         Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:38:43 -0700
Reply-To:     Gary Bawden <goldfieldgary@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Gary Bawden <goldfieldgary@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Using LED's as dash lights
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Greetings, all,

This subject comes up a lot about using LED's as dash lights, and
using the blue and near-UV ones, since they look so cool. Using my
status as an old codger I would wish to warn folks that the blue and
violet, and near ultra-violet LEDs are a shorter wavelength of light,
and are somewhat harmful over the long haul. The acrylic plastic does
little to block these wavelengths of light, so if you like to drive
for hours at night, you may be increasing your risk of eye damage. I
notice that, having used long-wave UV lights for years just to go
tramping around out in the desert at night, looking for fluorescent
oddities, that my eyes feel really gritty after only a short time,
just from the reflected light off of the ground, unless I am wearing
UV-blocking goggles - - which, of course, you probably wouldn't do if
you were driving.

So, if you are thinking about changing the color of your dash lights,
you may consider red as an option - - longer wavelength is less
damaging to the eyes, and perhaps you can work it into some sort of
Goth decor, to boot!

Oh, and one other thing - - if you don't like the focused spots with
LED's, just touch them up with sandpaper before installing, and the
light will be diffused.

Just my .02, you may want to get a professional opinion.

Yours for good eye health,

Gary