Which characteristic of low pressure sodium lamps can affect color perception?

Low pressure sodium lamps are known for emitting a specific wavelength of light that appears yellowish. This yellow light is characteristic of low pressure sodium lighting and can significantly influence color perception in various environments. Because human vision relies on the presence of different wavelengths of light to interpret colors accurately, the dominance of yellow light can distort the way colors are perceived. Under yellow light, many colors may appear more muted or can blend together, making it difficult to distinguish between them.

This characteristic is particularly relevant in contexts such as street lighting or security where accurate color recognition is important for identification and assessing situations. Unlike other lighting options that emit a range of wavelengths across the spectrum, resulting in a more balanced color presentation, the limited spectrum of yellow light from low pressure sodium lamps restricts color differentiation, thereby impacting overall visual experiences in that environment.