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# Petition Urges FDA to Regulate LED-pulsing Devices
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/petition-urges-fda-to-regulate-led-pulsing-devices/
- Published: 2023-01-23T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T18:12:43.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: Devices, #legacy-id-D5153597

A citizen petition submitted 1/22 by Soft Lights Foundation asks FDA to issue regulations under 21 CFR Part 1040.41 to “regulate electromagnetic radiation in the visible portion of the spectrum emitted by products that use light-emitting diodes that pulse, flash, or strobe, and that these regulations set restrictions on spatial non-uniformity, chip-level peak luminance and peak radiance, spectral power distribution, synchronous and asynchronous flash rates, and rise and decay characteristics, and that the regulations be designed to protect the physical and psychological health, safety, comfort, and civil rights of those who are negatively impacted by LED strobe lights.”

Light-emitting diodes can create “synchronous and asynchronous flash patterns with a digital on/off characteristic,” according to the [petition](https://www.regulations.gov/document/FDA-2023-P-0233-0001?ref=fdaweb.com), adding that the peak luminance of LED strobe lights may be as high as 100,000,000 nits (candela per square meter), whereas maximum human comfort level is about 300 nits and seizures can be caused at levels as low as 20 nits.

The LED flashing lights have also been documented to cause life-threatening photosensitive seizures, multi-day migraines, and anxiety panic attacks, the petition says, adding that some strobe lights may be causing permanent eye damage.

Additionally, the petition reminds the agency that Congress passed the Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act in 1968, which directed FDA to publish regulations and restrictions for electromagnetic radiation emitted by electronic products.