I am a member of LARL Lawrence Alliance for Responsible Lighting . Many in
Lawrence including members of LARL object to Westar s LED retrofit project
because Westar is replacing traditional streetlights with LEDs of a color
temperature CCT of 4 000K. As of a few weeks ago the project was half complete.
The American Medical Association AMA recently stated that streetlights should
be no more than 3 000K. Therefore Westar s continued retrofitting project using
these nonconforming lights is a negligent business practice that may compromise
our health. The adopted report can be found here https www.ama
assn.org sites default files media browser public about ama councils Council
20Reports council on science public health a16 csaph2.pdf
We have met with Westar representatives where we requested and continue to
request that they stop using nonconforming streetlights and immediately switch
to the correct color temperature. We are requesting an immediate restraining
order to halt the project until this matter is decided by KCC or a district
court.
In its report the AMA stated that the 4 000K LEDs emit a large about of blue
light that appears white to the naked eye but creates worse nighttime glare
than conventional lighting. It states that discomfort and disability from the
intense blue rich LED lighting can decrease visual acuity and safety resulting
in road hazard.
The report states that the blue rich LED streetlights operate at a wavelength
that most adversely suppresses melatonin during the night. The AMA also states
that the unseen blue light can increase the risk of serious health conditions
including cancer and cardiovascular disease. It states that studies show that
bright LEDs reduce sleep time result in poor quality sleep and cause impaired
daytime functioning. In my recent consultation with an experienced neurologist
he stressed that studies are showing that the blue rich content of LEDs may
contribute to macular degeneration the leading cause of blindness in older
people.
Numerous cities are following the AMA guidelines like Prairie Village KS and
Knoxville TN. However Westar persists in giving our members and the media a
variety of reasons for continuing with these unsafe streetlights claiming they
are harmless. And yet those reasons are not supported by professionals who
understand streetlight emissions. It is not only the AMA that considers these
streetlights nonconforming but also the International Dark Sky Association the
experts in streetlight emissions has specifically denounced them. Lighting
manufacturers sold high CCT LEDs initially because it was the only option that
was as efficient as existing HPS. That was then this is now. New 3000K CCT
chips have similar efficacy to 4000K CCT. And there is no significant cost
differential. No reason exists not to switch. And nothing will slow down the
LED lighting industry or Westar s progress in this area like a national and
local debate over glaring unsafe LED streetlights when the default should be a
lower the CCT and to reduce the glaring lighting emissions.
Our position is that Westar is pursuing an unsafe business practice failing to
engage in prudent risk management and intentionally avoiding a growing body of
published health concerns. When these lights have to be replaced which is an
avoidable cost at this time ratepayers should not be on the hook for Westar s
failure to practice ordinary due diligence. Likewise if Westar is found liable
for damages for customers health ratepayers should not be on the hook for those
avoidable damages. Our request is for the immediate use of 3 000K lighting and
for an immediate restraining order on the remaining lights until the KCC or a
district court decides the matter.
Members of LARL Lawrence Alliance for Responsible Lighting met with four Westar representatives as well as engineers for the City of Lawrence at Lawrence City Hall. We explained our position that Westar s use of the 4 000k LED streetlights is in noncompliance with the American Medical Association s specific guidance on these lights that came out last year which recommends no higher a CCT level than 3 000k. We requested Westar to immediately start putting in 3 000k since they were only half done with the project. We handed out copies of the AMA report which itself cites to dozens of studies. We referenced a recent Harvard report reflecting similar health concerns and explained there are studies connecting these light emissions with macular degeneration and cancer and that the glare creates disability and road hazards for drivers. However Westar felt the emissions were harmless citing viewpoints at odds with the emerging studies on this. Further Westar has never indicated that cost is an issue. Therefore it is baffling to us that a responsible company presented with these concerns would not practice risk management at this point and simply change its default streetlight choice.
Westar should immediately stop retrofitting Lawrence streetlights with 4 000k CCT. It should continue replacing the old lights with 3 000k CCT. Without a cost penalty for doing this and in light of the specific AMA recommendation it is now an unreasonable and unsafe business practice not to act on the health evidence. The possible contribution of these lights to macular degeneration the leading cause of blindness in older people all by itself should decide the issue in favor of switching to the safe lights. The company should cease its project until the KCC or a district court decides whether this is an unsafe practice.