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.