Introduction

The SCHEER, on request of Commission services, provides opinions on questions concerning health, environmental and emerging risks. In particular, the Committee provides opinions on questions concerning emerging or newly identified health and environmental risks and on broad, complex or multidisciplinary issues that require a comprehensive assessment of risks to consumer safety or public health and related issues not covered by other European Union risk assessment bodies.

The SCHEER also provides opinions on risks related to pollutants in the environmental media and other biological and physical factors or changing physical conditions which may have a negative impact on health and the environment, for example in relation to air quality, water, waste and soil, as well as on life cycle environmental assessment.

Objective of the call

Scope of the call is to provide the European Commission with a scientific opinion on the potential risks to human health of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). Researchers have analysed potential risks of white LEDs, issuing recommendations to avoid the hazards. Another group of researcher has speculated about the effects of LED radiation on retinal epithelium cells (RPE). The human visual system is exposed to high levels of natural and artificial lights of different spectra and intensities along lifetime. These lights give rise to the formation of reactive oxygen species and induce mutagenic mechanisms which lead to apoptosis and consequently to degenerative eye diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Areas of expertise

Expertise is required in one or more of the following areas related to the topic of this specific mandate (the potential risks to human health of Light Emitting Diodes):

- ophthalmology (medical research);

- dermatology (medical research);

- psychology (related to light disorders);

- neurology (sleep research/disorders);

- cardiology.

In addition, experience in risk assessment is essential. Good knowledge of English is required as the working language will be English. The selected experts will become members of the relevant working group of SCHEER that will work on this opinion. The workload would be substantial (4-5 hours a week) for 9-12 months; experts are expected to participate in meetings in Luxembourg and by audio in addition to the work they contribute individually.

Terms of reference

The Scientific Committee is asked to assess the safety risks associated with the use of LEDs and to provide an answer to the following questions:

1. What are the potential health hazards associated with LEDs emission in the general population with regard to wavelength, intensity, duration and viewing position?

2. If possible, identify dose response relationship associated with LEDs emission in the general population with regard to wavelength, intensity, duration and viewing position?

3. What are the potential health risks associated with LED displays (e.g., TV sets, laptops, phones, toys and car lighting) in the general population and in vulnerable and susceptible populations (e.g., children and elderly people)?

4. What are the potential health risks associated with LED lamps (e.g., toys and car lighting) in the general population and in vulnerable and susceptible populations (e.g., children and elderly people)?

Financial conditions

Experts will receive an allowance of a maximum of 450 Euro in the form of a daily unit cost for each full working day. Travel and subsistence expenses incurred by experts in connection with Scientific Committee meetings and other activities are reimbursed.

More information at

http://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/call_experts/call_experts_leds_2016_en.htm