Many of us have them in our homes and at offices — but a neuroscientist warns that one household staple may be a major threat to our health.

Glen Jeffery, a professor of neuroscience at University College London, is sounding the alarm about what he calls a “clear and present public health emergency” that no one seems to be talking about.

He has gone so far as to compare the item to asbestos — once widely used in building materials before people realized it can cause issues like mesothelioma and lung cancer.

The health threat? Energy-efficient light-emitting diode bulbs, which are present in schools, offices, hospitals and nearly half of US households — and which Jeffrey claims could raise the risk of diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

“LED lighting is damaging mitochondria and therefore there is no question you’re damaging systemic health,” Jeffrey told The European. “This is a clear and present public health emergency and we need to take action.”

One study found that daily exposure to short-wavelength blue light reduced measures of mitochondrial activity by about 50% in mice. Another study found that exposure to blue-enriched LED lighting altered activity, metabolism and liver function in mice. (Read more from “Neuroscientist Warns Common Household Item is a ‘Public Health Emergency’ on the Same Level as Asbestos” HERE)