Light pollution – what is it
Just as there is air pollution or noise pollution, there is something called as light pollution.
Light pollution is often less understood, underestimated and largely overlooked as a form of pollution that can have harmful effects.
It is the artificial light that is seen in the big cities that causes light pollution and is a cause for concern.
Research in 147 communities in Israel found that women living in areas where it was bright enough to read a book outside at midnight had 73% higher risk of developing breast cancer than those in least outdoor artificial lighting areas.
Examples of artificial light:
- Brightly lit advertising billboards
- Light from cars and traffic
- Floodlights in stadiums
- Lights in a disco, shops, restaurants
Harmful effects of light pollution are:
- Glare from oncoming cars can lead to blinding and hence accidents
- Sleep disturbances leading to sleep disorders
- In offices, light and air pollution can make employees irritable and fatigued
- Too much exposure to light can lead to ageing of eyes
- Disrupted functioning of 24-hour circadian rhythm leading to disturbed eating, sleeping and mating
What can we do:
- Dim lights often at home
- Sit far off from TV set
- Switch off landscape lighting in parks and gardens
- Avoid direct light while reading / working
- Use dimmer while driving
- Avoid use of mobile phones at night in the dark
- Get more natural light – sunlight is a great healer – boosts serotonin levels, reduces depression, improves bone health and keeps your energy levels high
Written by: Dr. Ajay Sati.
