• Full spectrum lighting refers to lighting that is supposed to mimic natural sunlight. Typically full spectrum lighting has a color rendering index (CRI) above 90 and a Kelvin temperature around 5500 K. However, full spectrum is not a scientific term but primarily a marketing term. Full spectrum lighting has emissions in all parts of the visual spectrum, as well as some in the ultra-violet range. It appears as a rather bluish color and renders colors well. Because it is intended to emulate natural sunlight, full spectrum lighting is touted as superior lighting with many health benefits.
  
  

Vision

• The National Lighting Product Information Program (NLPIP) concluded that full spectrum lighting will not help people see better in typical offices or classrooms on regular visual tasks; however, people will perceive the light as being brighter and may respond differently to the full spectrum lighting. For tasks that require color discrimination, such as the graphic arts, full spectrum lighting does provide better illumination. Painters, artists, decorators and others who need fine color discrimination appreciate full spectrum lighting for their works.
  
  

Health

• The National Research Council of Canada found conflicting results on whether the ultraviolet (UV) exposure with full spectrum lighting is healthy or a health concern. Some findings suggest that, especially in western society, people receive too little UV exposure, while others have raised concerns that UV exposure causes cancer. However, the NRCC indicates that it's unlikely the UV amounts found indoors with full spectrum lighting are sufficient to be carcinogenic. While light is important to help maintain circadian rhythms and influences health and mood, it has been found that the most important type of light in regards to circadian rhythms are short wavelengths. Shorter wavelengths are found in full spectrum lighting, but, because longer wavelengths are also included, the effect of the shorter ones is diluted.
  
  

Psychological

• Lighting definitely affects moods and emotions. Full spectrum lighting is helpful with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is depression that occurs during seasons of low light. However, other bright white lighting is also helpful. However, people may experience positive psychological benefits from full spectrum lighting, which is partially due to the placebo effect since people associate full spectrum lighting with natural daylight and enhanced health. Also, if people prefer full spectrum lighting, it enhances their productivity and cooperation along with improved mood.