What does the "safelight" refer to in a darkroom?

The term "safelight" refers specifically to a light source that emits a red or amber glow in a darkroom environment. This colored light is designed to illuminate the workspace without exposing photographic materials and film to harmful light wavelengths that could cause fogging or ruin the images being developed. The choice of red or amber is crucial because it allows the photographer or technician to see what they are doing while keeping the sensitive materials safe from exposure to light that could compromise their development.

In a darkroom, proper lighting is essential for safe handling and processing of photographic film and paper. The safelight enables artists and technicians to work efficiently without damaging their materials, ensuring that they can see their work clearly while maintaining the integrity of the photographs.