Why did the street lights turn purple? Is it harmful to the human body?

February 23, 2023

LED street lights have been gaining popularity in recent years due to their energy efficiency and long-lasting lifespan. However, one issue that has arisen with these lights is the phenomenon of "purple light" or "blue light" emission. In this article, we will explore why LED street lights turn purple and how it can affect the environment and human health.

Someone noticed before that some street lights in Vancouver, Canada turned into purple tones. Some said it was weird, and some said it was romantic.

Why Are Some Street Lights Suddenly Turning Purple?

In fact, this is caused by the peeling off of the lamp coating.

The City of Vancouver has received reports of more than 100 blue or purple street lights caused by a manufacturing defect in the bulb's coating.

In fact, many places in Canada, such as Vancouver Island, Manitoba, and some states in the United States, such as Iowa, Kentucky, Nebraska and Kansas, have seen this strange purple light from street lights.

Eric Mittal of the Vancouver Engineering Department said that the main reason is that the coating on the lamps has failed. In fact, the purple light is the true color of the LED lights.

A blue or mauve-colored light that LED lights actually emit becomes incandescent only when coated with an egg-yellow coating called phosphor.

What Causes LED Street Lights to Turn Purple?

LED street lights emit light using a process called electroluminescence, which occurs when an electric current is passed through a semiconductor material. The semiconductor material used in LEDs is usually a combination of gallium nitride (GaN) and indium gallium nitride (InGaN).

When LED street lights are first installed, they emit a bright white light. However, over time, the blue light emitted by the LED chips can cause a phenomenon known as "phosphor degradation." This occurs when the phosphor coating on the LED chips breaks down, causing a shift in the color of the light emitted. The result is a purple or blue hue that can be seen in the streetlights.

Another factor that can contribute to the purple color is the quality of the LED chips themselves. Some manufacturers may use low-quality chips that emit more blue light than necessary, which can lead to the breakdown of the phosphor coating and the purple hue.

Effects of Purple LED Street Lights on the Environment and Health

Purple LED street lights can have negative effects on both the environment and human health. One major concern is their impact on wildlife, particularly on insects such as moths and other nocturnal creatures. These insects are attracted to light, and the blue and purple light emitted by LED streetlights can disrupt their natural behavior patterns. This can lead to a decline in insect populations, which can have a ripple effect on the ecosystem.

Why are some street lights across Greater Cincinnati turning purple?

In addition, blue and purple light can also interfere with human sleep patterns. Exposure to blue light at night can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. This can lead to insomnia and other sleep disorders.

Furthermore, the blue and purple light emitted by LED streetlights can also cause glare, making it difficult for drivers to see clearly at night. This can increase the risk of accidents on the road.

Conclusion

While LED street lights offer many benefits, including energy efficiency and long lifespan, their purple or blue light emission can have negative effects on the environment and human health. Manufacturers must ensure that they use high-quality LED chips and phosphor coatings to prevent the breakdown of the phosphor and the color shift to purple. Additionally, efforts must be made to minimize the impact of LED streetlights on wildlife and human health by using the appropriate color temperature and reducing glare. By doing so, we can enjoy the benefits of LED streetlights without compromising on the well-being of our environment and ourselves.

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