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Jul 18, 2023

Why are street lights blue? Iowa DOT explains

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IOWA, USA — Have you ever wondered why some street lights in Iowa seem blue or purple light?

You're not alone: the Iowa Department of Transportation offered an explanation to confused Iowans on Tuesday.

According to the Iowa DOT, the lights aren't intended to appear blue. The department installed LED lights with a white coating "a while ago," Iowa DOT said in a Facebook post.

Now, that coating is flaking off, causing the lights to appear more blue or purple.

The LED lights were originally installed to replace sodium vapor lights from the 1970s.

Sodium lights were difficult to maintain and needed regular replacements. In contrast, the LED lights we see today have been in place for about five years with few issues.

The color change isn't permanent, though: the Iowa DOT said these faulty lights don't meet standards requiring streetlights "emit a white/neutral light".

The lights are under warranty and will be replaced with standard white lights across the state.

UPDATE: So we've heard from A LOT of you about this issue. Many like the blue/purple hue for a variety of reasons....

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