Brian Barton
Light pollution is a side effect of industrial civilization, caused by the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. It is a global issue that has detrimental effects on human health, wildlife, and the environment, and energy conservation. The excessive use of artificial outdoor light can negatively impact the behavior of wildlife, human health, and the ability to see stars at night. Sources of light pollution include building exterior and interior lighting, advertising, commercial properties, offices, factories, streetlights, illuminated sporting venues, and vehicles. Light pollution is increasing globally, and it is estimated that over 80% of the world's population lives under sky glow, with 99% of Americans and Europeans unable to experience a natural night.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally |
| Sources | Streetlights, buildings, advertising, commercial properties, offices, factories, illuminated sporting venues, boats, fireworks |
| Effects | Disrupts nocturnal wildlife, human sleep patterns, cultural traditions, energy waste, climate change, human health, human vision, safety issues, wildlife behaviour |
| Global Impact | 80% of the world's population, 99% of Americans and Europeans live under sky glow |
| Solutions | Use of timers and sensors, choosing warmer colours of light, dimmable lighting, turning off lights, closing window blinds and curtains, using shielded lights, light-efficient fixtures |
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What You'll Learn
Light pollution's impact on human health
Light pollution is the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. It is the excess or inappropriate use of artificial outdoor light. Light pollution has harmful effects on human health, wildlife behaviour, and our ability to observe stars and other celestial objects.
Light pollution can have a number of negative impacts on human health. Firstly, it can disturb our natural body rhythms, including our sleep patterns and circadian rhythm, which is our internal twenty-four-hour clock that guides day and night activities and affects physiological processes. The presence of artificial light at night can disrupt the production of the hormone melatonin, which is released when it is dark and inhibited when there is light present. This can result in sleep deprivation, fatigue, headaches, stress, anxiety, and other health problems. Studies have also shown a connection between reduced melatonin levels and an increased risk of certain types of cancer.
Secondly, light pollution can impact our immune system and responses to stress. The bright and uncomfortable glare from light fixtures can affect our vision and cause visual discomfort, especially when driving or trying to adapt to low-light conditions. This can create potential safety issues and conflict with wildlife.
Thirdly, light pollution can have indirect effects on human health by disturbing the natural rhythms of plants and animals, disrupting ecosystems, and wasting energy. This can interfere with food sources, the benefits ecosystems provide to humans, and the enjoyment of nature and the night sky.
Finally, the light inside homes and other indoor spaces, as well as the light from electronic devices, can also impact human health by increasing exposure to artificial light at night. Blue light, in particular, which is found in cell phones, computer devices, and LED bulbs, has been shown to reduce melatonin levels and impact sleep quality.
Overall, light pollution has been recognized as an important environmental issue that can have lasting adverse effects on human health and well-being.
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Light pollution's impact on wildlife
Light pollution is the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. It is a side effect of industrial civilization, with sources including building exterior and interior lighting, advertising, commercial properties, offices, factories, streetlights, and illuminated sporting venues.
Light pollution has been shown to have a significant impact on wildlife, with research scientist Christopher Kyba noting that "the introduction of artificial light probably represents the most drastic change human beings have made to their [nocturnal animals'] environment."
Attraction to Light Sources
Many insects, seabirds, and other organisms are drawn to light sources. This can result in them becoming trapped, exhausted, or killed by the heat of the light source. It can also make them more vulnerable to predators, as they become concentrated in one area. For example, juvenile salmon are attracted to patches of water lit by artificial lights, where they are more easily preyed upon by birds such as great blue herons.
Disruption of Nocturnal Activities
Artificial lights can interfere with the nocturnal activities of many animals, including amphibians such as frogs and toads, whose nighttime croaking is part of their breeding ritual. It can also disrupt the migration patterns of birds, causing them to collide with buildings or fly endlessly within the cone of light until they die from exhaustion.
Alteration of Day/Night Patterns
Light pollution can alter the day/night patterns of animals, disrupting their sleep and downtime needed for the body to repair itself. This can have negative consequences for their health and reproduction.
Habitat Loss
Artificial lighting can act as a form of habitat loss, repelling some organisms from areas where they might otherwise be able to live. For example, the threatened western snowy plover avoids roosting on beaches where artificial light is brighter than the light of a half-moon.
Energy Waste and Climate Change
Light pollution contributes to energy waste and increases the impacts of climate change. This, in turn, can have further adverse effects on wildlife.
Overall, light pollution has far-reaching consequences for wildlife, disrupting their natural behaviors, habitats, and ecosystems. It is important for humans to take steps to reduce light pollution and minimize its impact on the natural world.
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Light trespass
To address light trespass, it is recommended to first contact the responsible party, which is usually obvious, such as a neighbor, a small business owner, or a larger entity like a government agency. It is important to approach the situation in a positive and non-threatening manner, as threatening legal action can create bad feelings in the community. Working together to find a solution that benefits everyone is encouraged.
There are various principles and guidelines to prevent light trespass, such as directing light downward and only illuminating the necessary areas. Additionally, development applicants may be required to submit plans that address proposed lighting and measures to prevent light trespass. Organizations like Dark Sky International provide resources and promote better lighting practices to minimize light pollution.
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Sky glow
The sources of artificial light contributing to sky glow include electric lights from cars, streetlamps, offices, factories, outdoor advertising, and buildings. Even in protected natural areas, such as national parks, the impact of sky glow can be measured, affecting the natural conditions of these environments. The brightness of sky glow is influenced by factors such as the distance from the light source and the viewing direction, with shorter wavelengths producing a brighter glow. Additionally, the interaction of artificial light with air molecules, aerosols, and water droplets in the atmosphere amplifies the effect, making the night sky even brighter.
The Bortle Dark-Sky Scale, published in Sky & Telescope magazine in 2001, provides a way to quantify sky glow. It offers nine classes that rate the darkness of the night sky inhibited by sky glow, along with detailed descriptions for each position on the scale. This scale is commonly used by amateur astronomers to understand the extent of light pollution in their observing locations.
The negative effects of sky glow are far-reaching. It diminishes the aesthetic beauty of a star-filled sky, wasting energy and resources in the process. Sky glow also has ecological impacts, disrupting nocturnal wildlife and their behaviours, and affecting human health and physiology. The excessive light at night can interrupt sleep and confuse the internal circadian rhythm, leading to various health issues such as sleep deprivation, fatigue, headaches, stress, and anxiety.
To address the issue of sky glow, researchers have developed methods like the Outdoor Site-Lighting Performance (OSP) system, which helps quantify and optimise lighting designs to minimise light trespass and glare. Additionally, initiatives like the Dark Sky movement advocate for better lighting practices and legislative action to reduce light pollution and preserve the natural darkness of the night sky.
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Light clutter
The excessive use of artificial lighting has detrimental effects on both human health and wildlife behaviour. Light clutter can impact human sleep patterns and physiological processes, such as the production of the hormone melatonin, which is inhibited by the presence of light. Disrupted melatonin production can lead to sleep deprivation, fatigue, headaches, stress, and other health issues.
Additionally, light clutter can negatively impact wildlife, altering the day/night patterns of various organisms. It can repel some animals from their natural habitats, leading to a form of habitat loss, while attracting them to areas where they are more vulnerable to predators or other dangers. Light clutter can also affect migratory birds, pollinators, sea turtles, and other mammals, disrupting their natural behaviours and ecosystems.
To combat light clutter, individuals and communities can take several measures. These include using timers and sensors to control exterior lighting, choosing warmer colours of light, employing dimmable lighting, and turning off lights when not in use. Properly shielding exterior lights and using shades to minimise interior light output can also help prevent light clutter. By implementing these practices, we can reduce the negative impacts of light clutter on our environment and well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
Light pollution is the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. It is caused by the excessive use of artificial outdoor light.
Light pollution has a multitude of effects on the environment and human health. It disrupts ecosystems, wastes energy, increases the impacts of climate change, and can have adverse health effects in humans. It also affects wildlife behaviour and our ability to see stars at night.
Light pollution comes from various sources, including building exterior and interior lighting, advertising, commercial properties, streetlights, illuminated sporting venues, and boats. It is also caused by the use of light-emitting devices such as smartphones.
