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I would like to add a comment relative to two recent letters to the editor of concern regarding lighting in Edmonton.

LEDs and health

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When manufacturers decided to start producing streetlights using LEDs there was little concern about the health effects of the new technology. However, over time, with the advantage of research into artificial light at night and its effects on health, the environment, et cetera, we now know that it is not just light at night but blue light, in particular, that is of the greatest concern. Manufacturers and communities are now aware of this and are making changes which will reduce the amount of blue light emitted by LEDs.

LED streetlights, which initially were installed shortly after their appearance, were 5,000 Kelvin in colour temperature and appeared blue and garish. These were followed by 4,000 Kelvin streetlights which did not provide as much blue. The city is now installing 3,000 Kelvin lights and, with recent improvements, will probably be shortly considering 2,200 Kelvin lights (warm white).