AMA Adopts Guidance on Selecting LED Lighting to Minimize Human Effects
The Annual Meeting of the AMA adopted guidance for selecting LED options to minimize potential risk
Physicians at the Annual Meeting of the AMA have adopted guidance for selecting LED lighting options in order to minimize harmful human and environmental effects, according to a press release.
"Despite the energy efficiency benefits, some LED lights are harmful when used as street lighting," AMA Board Member Maya A. Babu, M.D., M.B.A. "The new AMA guidance encourages proper attention to optimal design and engineering features when converting to LED lighting that minimize detrimental health and environmental effects."
According to the release, blue-rich LED lighting can potentially decrease visual acuity and safety, thus creating a road hazard. High-intensity LED lighting emits a large amount of this blue light.
Outdoor lighting also has an effect on the environment, as LED lighting can disorient birds, insects, turtle and fish. National parks have adopted lighting that is best-suited to keep the animals safe.
The AMA has specifically recommended an intensity threshold that minimizes blue-rich light.