Environment

Lighting Hazard

Greater care may need to be taken in choosing the color of outdoor LED lighting across Earth’s landscapes, as scientists warn that some hues of the modern-day lighting can be harmful to wildlife.

Researchers have spent years documenting how the brightness, color and direction of LED light affects migration, species attraction, predator-prey relationships and circadian rhythms.

A new study led by the University of Southern California finds that blue and white have the worst impacts, while the warmer yellow, amber and green LEDs are more benign.

Some creatures, like insects and sea turtles, are especially vulnerable.