Release: Strategic Partnership with Science of Light>>>

Indoor Exposure Index (INDEX) and Science of Light (SOL) Announce Strategic Partnership to Address “Mal-illumination” and Indoor Health Risks

NAMPA, IDAHO — February 19, 2026 — The Indoor Exposure Index (INDEX) and the Science of Light (SOL), two leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations dedicated to environmental health and human wellness, today announced a formal strategic partnership. This collaboration aims to integrate advanced lighting science into indoor environmental awareness and outreach efforts, providing a holistic framework for identifying and mitigating health risks indoors.

As humans spend over 90% of their lives indoors, the quality of that environment—from the air we breathe to the light our eyes and skin receive—has a profound impact on metabolic health, circadian rhythms, and overall vitality.

Bridging the Gap Between Air, Key Environmental Factors, and Light

While the Indoor Exposure Index (INDEX) has pioneered metrics like the Localized Verified Exposure (LOVE) Index and the BEMI (Bioload Exposure Metric Index) to measure air, ambient environment and surface contamination, the Science of Light (SOL) brings decades of research into “Mal-illumination”—a term coined by photobiology pioneer Dr. John Ott to describe the health deficiencies caused by a lack of full-spectrum natural light.

Through this partnership, the organizations will develop a body of science-based information to enable the public and facility professionals to assess a home’s or building’s health not just by its chemical and biological markers, but by its “spectral diet”—the quality and timing of light exposure required for optimal human biological function.

“For too long, we have treated indoor air quality, key health factors and indoor lighting as separate silos,” said Allen Rathey, Executive Director of INDEX. “By partnering with Science of Light, we are acknowledging that a truly ‘healthy’ building must protect the lungs, nourish the body/endocrine system, and address lighting impacts. We are striving to give people everywhere the tools to see the invisible stressors and factors that affect human performance.”

“The Science of Light is dedicated to the legacy of Dr. John Ott and the promotion of biologically beneficial light,” said Ken Ceder, Executive Director for SOL. “Collaborating with INDEX allows us to embed our photobiological research into a thoughtful, integrated approach, moving light from an aesthetic ‘amenity’ to a critical ‘health requirement’ through the complete ‘spectrum’ of knowledge INDEX strives to provide.”

Both organizations are recipients of Google Nonprofit Ad grants enabling outreach to people searching for information about healthier indoor spaces, effectively accessing more than 330 million people—i.e., anyone with internet access who uses Google Search.

About the Indoor Exposure Index (INDEX)

INDEX is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Nampa, Idaho, dedicated to applied science and public education. It focuses on developing exposure indices to safeguard human health, educate the public, and empower experts.

About Science of Light (SOL)

Science of Light (SOL) is a research and development (R&D) 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on raising awareness of Mal-illumination. SOL works to provide R&D focused on biologically beneficial light for enhanced vitality and reduced risk of disease.

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