American Medical Association adopts new guidance on LED technology

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Physicians at the annual meeting of the American Medical Association have adopted guidance for communities on selecting among light emitting diode options, which aims to minimize the potential harmful human health and environmental effects. The group claims that conversion to improper LED technology can have adverse consequences.

Converting conventional street light to energy efficient LED lighting leads to cost and energy savings, and a lower reliance on fossil-based fuels, the group said in a statement. Approximately 10 percent of existing U.S. street lighting has been converted to solid state LED technology, with efforts underway to accelerate this conversion.

High-intensity LED lighting designs emit a large amount of blue light that appears white to the naked eye, creating worse nighttime glare in the process than does conventional lighting, the AMA said. Discomfort and disability from intense, blue-rich LED lighting can decrease visual acuity and safety, resulting in a possible road hazard.

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In addition to its impact on drivers, blue-rich LED streetlights operate at a wavelength that most adversely suppresses melatonin during the night, according to the AMA. It is estimated that white LED lamps have five times greater impact on circadian sleep rhythms than conventional street lamps. The AMA cites recent surveys finding that brighter residential nighttime lighting is associated with reduced sleep times, dissatisfaction with sleep quality, excessive sleepiness, impaired daytime functioning and obesity.

The AMA also said that the detrimental effects of high-intensity LED lighting are not limited to humans, claiming that excessive outdoor lighting disrupts many species that need a dark environment. For instance, poorly designed LED lighting disorients some bird, insect, turtle and fish species, and U.S. national parks have adopted optimal lighting designs and practices that minimize the effects of light pollution on the environment.

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Due to the detrimental effects of poorly-designed LED lighting, the AMA is encouraging communities to minimize and control blue-rich environmental lighting by using the lowest emission of blue light possible to reduce glare. The AMA is recommending an intensity threshold for optimal LED lighting that minimizes blue-rich light. The group is also suggesting that all LED lighting should be properly shielded to minimize glare and detrimental human health and environmental effects, adding that LEDs should be dimmed during off-peak time periods.

The guidance adopted today by physicians who comprising the AMA's policy-making body strengthens the group's existing stand against light pollution, and the group said it hopes to raise public awareness.

Twitter: @JELagasse