A recent research study into paint degradation caused by illumination has been misinterpreted by the press to throw LED light bulbs into a bad light.
Indeed, a report from the Independent last week entitled Sunflowers wilt: Van Gogh's masterpiece is slowly turning brown as a result of exposure to LED lighting, may have been misleading as it has since been discovered that the illuminations used were not traditional LEDs.
Museums and art galleries have often been seen as excellent applications for LED light bulbs, provided the necessary targets for characteristics can be met.
Among the main benefits, alongside obvious energy savings, is the lack of ultraviolet and infrared radiation.
This helps make it such a popular choice for homeowners looking for ceiling light fittings, as they give great energy savings and a brighter illumination in the home.
However, many different materials are used in works of art and each can respond differently when exposed to different wavelengths and editorial consultant for LEDs Magazine Tim Whitaker claims the recent criticism is "tenuous at best".
The Independent article stated that scientists discovered bright-yellow pigment featured in several famous artworks becomes unstable under LED lights and turns brownish green over time.
Mr Whitaker claimed this was misinformed, writing in LEDs Magazine: "On closer inspection, it turns out that the scientists didn't actually use LED lights at all. Instead, they used a high-intensity Xenon lamp (Cermax 175W) in combination with various wavelength filters."
California-based manufacturer Soraa looked further into the issue and said it was right to respond to "erroneous reports of painting by LED lamps".
The company added that the study had been "loosely and irresponsibly associated with LED light".
Mr Whitaker continued by stating that instead of relying on ill-informed press reports with knee-jerk reactions against LED light bulbs, firms should consider funding some research that actually uses the illuminations.
