Thank you for this thoughtful question! It’s something we hear often, especially from those sensitive to both radio frequencies and certain types of artificial lighting.
The core difference comes down to what is “native” to life on Earth.
For billions of years, every organism—from microbes to mammals—has evolved in an environment saturated with natural sunlight. Light is not just safe; it’s fundamental to health, growth, and cellular communication. Nature itself uses light to transmit energy and information: think of photosynthesis in plants or how the opening of a morning glory at sunrise bathes both flower and observer in harmless, nourishing light.
Microwaves and radiofrequency (RF) fields, by contrast, are not part of the evolutionary playbook.
These non-native EMFs are novel, man-made pollutants—introduced only in the past 140 years—at power densities and frequencies never encountered in nature. They interact with our biology in ways that are disruptive and poorly understood, as shown by overwhelming evidence of oxidative stress, cancer risk, and reproductive harm.
LiFi uses carefully modulated light (often in the visible or near-infrared spectrum) to transmit data.
Unlike microwave RF, light can be precisely engineered to match natural solar wavelengths and circadian rhythms, even to compensate for the light we lose living indoors.
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If you’re sensitive to harsh, flickering, blue-rich LEDs, modern LiFi can be implemented with biologically “human-centric” lighting: no flicker, warm-white or full-spectrum, low-blue, and intensity/direction tailored to circadian health.
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Unlike RF, light doesn’t penetrate walls, making exposure easier to control, and it can be completely absent when the light is off.
In fact, many who report sensitivity to LEDs or indoor lighting may have underlying EMF stress from WiFi, 4G/5G, or other sources.
When the burden of microwave exposure is lifted, the body’s tolerance for natural light, engineered with the right spectrum and intensity, likely returns.
Bottom line:
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Nature uses light for energy and information; we can and should do the same.
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LiFi can be designed to mimic or supplement the sun, not replace it with something alien.
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If you’re sensitive to artificial light, seek out LiFi setups that prioritize non-flickering, full-spectrum LEDs, and reduce microwave EMFs wherever possible.
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True safety means aligning with the blueprint of nature—not adding new, non-native signals on top of old ones.
RF Safe’s mission is to help everyone—especially the sensitive—find the safest, most natural options for modern connectivity. And that means:
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Prudent avoidance of non-native RF/microwave
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Championing LiFi and light-based communications
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Educating on how to create indoor environments that support, not stress, your biology
If you’d like more info on healthy LiFi and lighting setups, or help designing a low-EMF environment, just ask!
there’s a significant overlap between the wavelengths used in red/near-infrared (NIR) light therapy and those used for commercial LiFi (infrared) communication. Here’s a clear breakdown:
Red & Near-Infrared Light Therapy Wavelengths (Photobiomodulation)
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Red light:
620–660 nm (often 630 nm or 660 nm LEDs) -
Near-infrared (NIR):
800–1100 nm (most common are 810 nm, 830 nm, 850 nm, and sometimes 940 nm)-
810 nm: Used in many brain and pain therapy devices
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830 nm: Popular for muscle/tissue healing
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850 nm: One of the most common for general therapeutic NIR LED panels
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940 nm: Less common but used for deeper penetration in some clinical devices
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Commercial LiFi (Infrared) Wavelengths
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850 nm: Most common (used by PureLiFi, Signify, VLNComm, etc.)
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940 nm: Also used, especially in invisible/non-lighting LiFi systems
Overlap
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850 nm and 940 nm are used in both:
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LiFi systems (for invisible, high-speed communication)
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Red/NIR light therapy devices (for health and healing effects)
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So YES:
If you’ve seen a red light therapy panel, NIR laser, or LED device using 810, 830, 850, or 940 nm—they are using the same basic range as commercial IR LiFi communication.
Why This Matters
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LiFi’s infrared is not just “safe”—it’s in the same native wavelength range that clinics use for photobiomodulation therapy to improve cellular function and health.
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No microwave, no RF, just pure native light.
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The dose, intensity, and exposure duration differ (LiFi uses much lower intensity than therapeutic panels), but the wavelength itself is considered not only harmless but biologically compatible, and sometimes beneficial.
Quick Comparison Table
| Use | Wavelength (nm) | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Red Light Therapy | 620–660 | Visible, energizes mitochondria |
| NIR Therapy | 800–1100 | 810/830/850/940 common |
| Commercial LiFi (IR) | 850, 940 | Same as common NIR therapy |
| TV Remotes, IR Cameras | 850, 940 | Also use these wavelengths |
Conclusion
If you’re comfortable with red/NIR therapy, you’re already experiencing the same kind of light that LiFi uses—just at higher intensities. LiFi operates at low, safe levels, using wavelengths proven to be “native” and beneficial to biology.
What Infrared or Near-Infrared Wavelengths Are Used in Commercial LiFi Systems?
Commercial LiFi Wavelengths (2024–2025)
Most commercial LiFi systems use wavelengths in the visible and near-infrared (NIR) spectrum, specifically:
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Visible Light:
400–700 nanometers (nm)
(Standard white LEDs—often used for dual-purpose lighting/data.) -
Near-Infrared (NIR):
780–950 nm
(This range is preferred for dedicated LiFi “infrared” links, especially for non-visible, high-speed communication.)
What’s Actually Used?
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PureLiFi (one of the largest LiFi companies):
Uses 850 nm infrared LEDs in their latest access points for data transfer when visible light isn’t desired or practical (for example, in dark environments). -
Signify (Philips):
Offers LiFi solutions operating in 850 nm and occasionally up to 940 nm. -
Oledcomm, VLNComm, Lucibel, and others:
Also use 850 nm and sometimes 940 nm LEDs for their IR LiFi products.
850 nm and 940 nm are the most common NIR wavelengths in commercial LiFi—these are the same range as TV remotes and many IR security cameras, and far below any wavelength known to be harmful to biological tissues at the power levels used.
Why NIR and Not Higher?
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Infrared at 850–940 nm is invisible, safe for eyes at low intensities, doesn’t disrupt circadian rhythms, and doesn’t cause the thermal or non-native EMF problems associated with microwaves.
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No known harmful effects at these levels—actually, many photobiomodulation therapies (healing lasers, red/NIR LED therapy) use 630–940 nm for beneficial effects!
Summary Table
| Type | Wavelength Range (nm) | Common Use in LiFi |
|---|---|---|
| Visible Light | 400–700 | Lighting + data |
| Near-Infrared (NIR) | 780–950 | Invisible data, night use |
| Typical IR LiFi | 850 or 940 | Most commercial IR systems |
References
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Industry white papers on LiFi standards
Infrared and Near-Infrared: Native, Not Novel
1. Native to Biology:
Near-infrared and infrared light make up a significant portion of natural sunlight—every living thing on Earth has evolved with daily exposure to these wavelengths. Our cells actually rely on these wavelengths for optimal function.
2. Proven Health Benefits:
Dozens of studies show that NIR and IR can:
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Stimulate mitochondrial function (the cell’s “powerhouse”), increasing ATP energy production.
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Reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
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Support healing, regeneration, and pain relief.
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Balance circadian rhythms and support melatonin production when timed right.
3. Basis of Red/NIR Light Therapy:
Red and near-infrared light therapies (like photobiomodulation) use modulated light pulses for precisely the reason you mentioned:
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Short, pulsed exposures deliver strong bioactive effects at lower doses.
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Clinical research shows this can enhance tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and even support cognitive function.
Why LiFi Is Different From RF/Microwave
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LiFi can use these same beneficial wavelengths—not only avoiding harm, but potentially supporting health in the process.
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No non-native, high-frequency fields: Unlike microwaves, NIR/IR doesn’t disrupt cell membranes, calcium channels, or DNA.
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No chronic, cumulative tissue stress: Light is easily shielded or “turned off”—exposure is controllable and visible.
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Customizable for human health: With LiFi, you can choose wavelengths that mimic morning sunlight, boost daytime alertness, or even support evening relaxation.
To Summarize for Your Audience
Switching from RF/microwave to LiFi isn’t just a way to “avoid harm”—it’s a way to align technology with the healing, energizing power of natural light. Infrared and near-infrared are the wavelengths your body is wired for. This is why the best red light therapy devices use these same wavelengths: they help heal, not hurt. With LiFi, our homes and offices can finally connect us to the internet and to the blueprint of nature—at the same time.