The D.C. government is switching to LED lighting for streetlights. The public should know about health and environment concerns with LED usage for street lighting purposes, including disrupted sleep. I am a longtime Ward 7 resident who believes city leaders should consider LED lighting’s potential adverse impacts on human safety and the environment.
At a public hearing Thursday, D.C. transportation representatives reported that non-blue light LEDs, which cut greenhouse gas emissions, are being used as a safer alternative, but one resident complained of blinding glare while driving. The D.C. Council should establish the lights’ safety — on the record. City leaders should also independently assess whether continued use of wooden utility poles places the public at harm from the pesticides used to preserve the wood. D.C.-based nonprofit Beyond Pesticides/National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides says wood utility pole usage is highly problematic: “Wood preservatives are ranked among the most potent cancer agents. They are also promoters of birth defects, reproductive problems and nervous system toxicants.”
Wards 7 and 8 have the greatest degree of health disparities in the city (in some regards such as cancer and infant mortality). With the streetlight discussion ongoing, this is a good time to raise the issue of environmental justice for the Ward 7 and 8 communities.
Julie E. Rones, Washington
