Blue light LEDs increase the risk of serious health conditions read more at here www.spinonews.com/index.php/item/1097-blue-light-leds-increase-the-risk-of-serious-health-conditions

American Medical Association (AMA) issued a warning that high-intensity LED streetlights emit blue light which cannot be seen. Blue light is known for disrupting sleep patterns, and can possibly increase the risks of a number of serious health conditions, including cancer and cardiovascular disease.

A report prepared by the Department of Energy revealed that almost 13 percent of street lights and other roadway lighting relied on LEDs. Light-emitting diodes are up to 50 percent more energy efficient than the standard high-pressure sodium lights they so often replace. LEDs boast a substantially longer lifespan, lasting 15 to 20 years on average.

Unsurprisingly, many cities are insistent that the health concerns associated with high-intensity LEDs are not strong enough to overshadow the benefits of these lights.

Among the cities that have put the first-generation bright LED lights to use in the last three to eight years in New York.

In Washington state, Scott Thomsen, a spokesman for Seattle City Lights has dismissed the concerns over the risks of these "high-intensity" bulbs entirely. Thomsen claims that the LEDs emit a smaller amount of the problematic blue light than most televisions and computers.

The federal government itself urged states to implement them as an energy efficient solution.

Because of this, the blue light from high-intensity LEDs may interfere with melatonin production. Melatonin is key to the balance of our sleep-wake cycles.

The AMA said, citing numerous studies that have linked bright light to reduced sleep, poor sleep quality and impaired function during waking hours. The warning also noted several studies which indicated that cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity risks could be increased by exposure to high-intensity light at night.

AMA is urging cities to use a maximum light temperature (frequency) of 3,000K, instead of the 4,000K and 5,000K LED lights that were initially made available.