Kiera Jefferson
Light pollution is the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. It is caused by all human activity requiring light use at night, including lights from homes, buildings, offices, billboards, store signs, street lights, car headlights, and stadium lighting. There are four main types of light pollution: skyglow, glare, light trespass, and clutter. Skyglow is the most well-known form of light pollution, caused by artificial light reflecting in the sky and bouncing around different particles in the atmosphere, creating a bright haze above cities. Glare is scattered light that bounces off reflective objects at night, causing eye discomfort and temporary blindness. Light trespass is when unwanted light shines into a person's home, causing discomfort and disrupting sleep. Clutter is when too many sources of light are grouped together, causing confusion. Light pollution has serious negative impacts on human health, wildlife, and the environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of types | 4 |
| Most common type | Skyglow |
| Skyglow | A bright purple/grey haze in the night sky above cities, caused by unshielded, reflected, and upwardly directed city lights |
| Glare | Scattered light that bounces off reflective objects at night, causing eye discomfort and even temporary blindness |
| Light trespass | Unwanted light that intrudes into a person's home, such as a street lamp shining through a bedroom window |
| Clutter | Excessive groupings of lights that cause confusion, distract from obstacles, and potentially cause accidents |
| Causes | Poor light fixture design, human development, thoughtless behaviors, and inefficient use of light |
| Effects | Negative impact on human health and well-being, disruption of ecosystems, and spoiling of aesthetic environments |
| Solutions | Turn off unnecessary lights, use lightbulbs with lower wattage, use light shields, and implement lighting restrictions and regulations |
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What You'll Learn
Skyglow
Light pollution, or skyglow, is a pressing issue that affects 80%-83% of the world's population. It is caused by the combined illumination of various light sources, creating an artificially bright sky in urban areas at night. This phenomenon is the result of both intentional and unintentional indoor and outdoor lighting, such as lampposts, fixtures, and building illumination. The light emitted from these sources scatters in the atmosphere due to interactions with air molecules, dust particles, pollution, and water droplets.
The consequences of skyglow are far-reaching and detrimental. Firstly, it diminishes the aesthetic beauty of a starry night sky, robbing people of the opportunity to experience a natural night. This is particularly concerning for astronomers, as skyglow reduces the contrast in the night sky, making it difficult to observe all but the brightest celestial objects. The excessive lighting also leads to a waste of energy and resources, impacting the environment and contributing to wider pollution issues.
Nocturnal wildlife is especially vulnerable to the effects of skyglow. Many species rely on natural light conditions for critical life functions such as reproduction and migration. The disruption caused by artificial light can impair their ability to navigate and perform essential tasks, impacting their survival and ecological balance.
Additionally, skyglow poses challenges for certain species of sea turtles. These turtles hatch on beaches at night and depend on the natural illumination of the moon to guide them to the ocean. However, in areas affected by skyglow, the natural light cycles are disrupted, which can disorient the hatchlings and hinder their journey to the sea.
Addressing the issue of skyglow is crucial, and some organizations are actively working towards reducing light pollution. The Dark Sky Movement, for example, aims to restore the nighttime environment and protect communities and wildlife from the harmful effects of artificial light. By advocating for better lighting practices and supporting the conservation of dark sky areas, they strive to mitigate the impact of skyglow and promote a greener and more sustainable future.
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Glare
The brightening of the night sky over inhabited areas due to glare has been linked to negative impacts on human health. Medical research suggests that excessive light exposure may lead to various adverse health effects, including increased headaches, worker fatigue, medically defined stress, decreased sexual function, and increased anxiety. Furthermore, glare can disrupt sleep patterns and suppress melatonin production, potentially leading to long-term health risks.
The excessive brightness caused by glare can also have ecological consequences. Light pollution, including glare, affects ecosystems and nocturnal wildlife, disturbing plant and animal physiology. For example, the introduction of light at night can alter species frequencies and food webs. Some species of spiders avoid lit areas, while others build their webs directly on lamp posts, gaining an advantage over their light-averse counterparts.
To address the issue of glare, it is recommended to adjust the type of lights used and their spacing. Full cutoff lighting fixtures and sodium lamps are advocated by campaigners to reduce light pollution. Additionally, evaluating and redesigning lighting plans to minimize unnecessary lighting can help mitigate the negative effects of glare.
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Light trespass
The negative effects of light trespass extend beyond visual discomfort and sleep disruption. Light trespass contributes to the overall phenomenon of light pollution, which has been linked to various adverse health effects. Medical research suggests that excessive light exposure can lead to increased headaches, worker fatigue, stress, decreased sexual function, and increased anxiety. Additionally, light pollution has been implicated in disrupting ecosystems and compromising the health of both humans and wildlife.
To address light trespass specifically, cities in the United States and other parts of the world have developed standards for outdoor lighting to protect citizens' rights. The International Dark-Sky Association has played a pivotal role in advocating for and establishing codes and statutes that reduce light pollution, including light trespass. By implementing better lighting practices and raising awareness about the harmful effects of light trespass, we can take steps towards mitigating this issue and preserving the natural darkness that is vital for human health, wildlife, and our environment.
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Clutter
The placement and design of lights can be intentionally used to distract drivers, which can contribute to accidents. For example, a row of street lights without shields to direct the light downward can be a source of light clutter.
Light clutter is a significant issue, as it can have a detrimental impact on both human health and the environment. It is a major side effect of urbanisation, with an estimated 83% of the world's population living under light-polluted skies. This means that only a small percentage of people in the United States and Europe can experience a natural night.
Light clutter can be reduced by utilising light sources of minimum intensity necessary to accomplish the light's purpose, as well as turning off lights when they are not needed.
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Human development, thoughtless behaviours, and poor light fixture design
Thoughtless behaviours, such as leaving unnecessary lights on throughout the night, contribute to the problem. This is often driven by a belief that more light equals more safety, which is not always based on research or evidence. Additionally, the widespread adoption of brighter, whiter lights has influenced manufacturers to produce such products, even though they may not be suitable for the intended environment.
Poor light fixture design exacerbates the issue of light pollution. Many light fixtures are inefficient and lack proper shielding or directionality, resulting in light being wasted by shining directly into the sky or into areas where it is not needed. This not only contributes to light pollution but also leads to significant energy waste, as up to 30% or more of the energy used by a typical light fixture is wasted in this manner.
Furthermore, the density and improper use of light fixtures can lead to light clutter, which is characterised by excessive groupings of lights that cause confusion and even potential accidents. For example, street lights without shields to direct the light downward can contribute to light clutter and negatively impact safety.
The combination of human development, thoughtless behaviours, and poor light fixture design has severe consequences. Light pollution disrupts the natural day-night cycle that all life on Earth has evolved with, impacting both human health and ecosystems. Research suggests links between light pollution and various adverse health effects, including increased risks of depression and diabetes, worker fatigue, stress, and sleep disruption. Additionally, ecosystems suffering from high levels of light pollution deliver 40% less ecological services, and the disruption of natural light cycles affects the migration patterns, mating practices, and feeding behaviour of many species.
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Frequently asked questions
There are four main types of light pollution: skyglow, glare, light trespass, and clutter.
Skyglow is the most well-known form of light pollution. It is the bright purple/grey glow found in the night sky above cities, obstructing star visibility. It is caused by unshielded, reflected, and upward city lights.
Glare is harsh light that bounces off reflective objects at night. It can cause eye discomfort and even temporary blindness, making it unsafe for drivers.
Light trespass is when unwanted light intrudes into a person's home, such as a street lamp shining through a bedroom window.
Light clutter refers to excessive groupings of lights that cause confusion. For example, a row of street lights without shields to direct the light downward can be a source of light clutter.
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