Lux level in Industry (Pharma, Cosmetics, Homeopathy & Medical Devices)

Additionally, lux levels can also impact the effectiveness of certain drugs, cosmetics homoeopathic medicines and medical devices.

Rakesh Dahiya

February 6, 2023

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Drug Medicine Pharma manufacturing Factory Industry Unit — Picture: Pixabay

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Rakesh Dahiya

SDCO Cum Licensing Authority |
Food and Drugs Administration, (FDA) Haryana, India. |
Email ID: dahiya19@yahoo.com

Lux level

The industry (Pharma, Cosmetics, Homeopathy, and Medical Devices) often requires strict control of lighting levels, known as “Lux level,” in order to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the drugs being produced.

Lux levels refer to the amount of light that is present in a specific area, and they can have a significant impact on the quality of the drugs being produced.

Importance of lux level

In the manufacturing processes of industry (Pharma, Cosmetics, Homeopathy & Medical Devices), lux levels are important to maintain a consistent and controlled environment.

This is particularly important in the cleanrooms where drugs, cosmetics, homoeopathic medicines and medical devices are manufactured, as these rooms must be kept free of dust and other contaminants.

High lux levels can cause dust and other particles to become more visible, making it easier to identify and remove them.

Additionally, lux levels can also impact the effectiveness of certain drugs, cosmetics homoeopathic medicines and medical devices.

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Light-sensitive drugs

For example, light-sensitive drugs may degrade or lose potency if exposed to high levels of light. Therefore, it is important to keep lux levels low in areas where these types of drugs are being produced.

In order to ensure that the appropriate lux levels are maintained, many pharmaceutical companies use specialized lighting systems that can be adjusted as needed.

These systems may include sensors that automatically adjust the lighting levels based on the specific needs of the drugs being produced.

Specialized lighting systems

In addition to the manufacturing process, lux levels are also important in the storage and transportation of pharmaceutical products.

Exposure to light can cause some drugs to degrade and lose effectiveness, so it is important to keep them in dark and cool areas.

Overall, the industry (Pharma, Cosmetics, Homeopathy & Medical Devices) places a high emphasis on maintaining appropriate lux levels in order to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the products being produced.

The use of specialized lighting systems and careful control of the storage and transportation of drugs are critical for achieving this goal.

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Comparison of the lux levels of some commonly used bulbs and tubes:

Incandescent bulb: A typical 60-watt incandescent bulb produces around 800 lux at a distance of 1 meter from the bulb. However, the lux level decreases as the distance from the bulb increases.
Halogen bulb: A 60-watt halogen bulb produces around 1200 lux at a distance of 1 meter from the bulb. Halogen bulbs are generally brighter and more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs.
Compact fluorescent bulb (CFL): A 15-watt CFL produces around 800 lux at a distance of 1 meter from the bulb. CFLs are known for their energy efficiency and long lifespan.
LED bulb: A 10-watt LED bulb produces around 800 lux at a distance of 1 meter from the bulb. LED bulbs are highly energy-efficient and have a very long lifespan.
Fluorescent tube: A typical 40-watt fluorescent tube produces around 2000 lux at a distance of 1 meter from the tube. However, the lux level decreases as the distance from the tube increases.

How much lux level is recommended

The appropriate lux levels for different sections of the industry (Pharma, Cosmetics, Homeopathy & Medical Devices) can vary depending on the specific requirements of the products being manufactured.

However, generally speaking, the following are some guidelines for different areas within a pharmaceutical facility:

Cleanrooms: These areas typically require very low lux levels, usually less than 50 lux. This is to minimize the presence of dust and other contaminants, which can have a negative impact on the quality of the drugs being produced.

Production areas: Depending on the type of drugs being produced, the lux levels in these areas can range from 50 to 300 lux. For example, areas where light-sensitive drugs are being produced may require lower lux levels, while areas where less sensitive drugs are being produced may require higher lux levels.

Laboratories: Lux levels in laboratories can vary depending on the type of research being conducted. For example, areas where microscope work is being done may require higher lux levels, while areas where light-sensitive samples are being analysed may require lower lux levels.

Storage areas: Lux levels in storage areas should be kept low, usually less than 50 lux, to protect light-sensitive drugs from degradation.

Office and common areas: These areas usually require a higher lux level, usually around 300-500 lux, to provide a comfortable working environment for employees.

It’s worth noting that these are general guidelines and the appropriate lux levels for a specific facility will depend on the type of drugs being produced, the equipment used, and the specific processes involved.

It’s recommended to consult with experts in the field for specific recommendations for your facility.

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