The American Medical Association released a statement over the summer that warns the public about the adverse side effects of light emitting diodes (LED). Many cities across the nation are taking steps to convert their street and residential lighting to LED lamps, with some already having done so. This is because LED lamps are highly efficient, and can last for years, thus significantly reducing the costs of street lighting.

The AMA claims that LEDs emit a high intensity blue light that looks white to the naked eye, which affects sleep cycles five times more than conventional lamps. In their statement, the AMA explained, "Recent large surveys found that brighter residential nighttime lighting is associated with reduced sleep times, dissatisfaction with sleep quality, excessive sleepiness, impaired daytime functioning and obesity."

There is also evidence indicating that high intensity LEDs are negatively impacting wildlife by disorienting birds, insects, and other nocturnal creatures.

It is recommended that the lowest possible emission of blue light be used, and that all LED lighting is properly shielded to reduce glare.