Brighter bulbs also contribute to light pollution.
Municipalities across the world are replacing existing streetlights with more efficient and long-lasting LEDs to save money on energy and maintenance, CNN reports.
The streetlights are delivering these benefits, but the American Medical Association (AMA) is not impressed. Last year it adopted an official policy statement about street lighting.
The new "white" LED street lighting has two problems, according to the AMA. Because LED light is so concentrated and has high blue content, it can cause severe, uncomfortable glare.
And the LED's blue light scatters more in the human eye, leading to potential retinal damage. This can cause problems seeing clearly for safe driving or walking at night.
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