What is light pollution? How to reduce light pollution

So far, people have become accustomed to environmental pollution and know its effects on human life. But never really, people are aware of another potential danger that is "growing", is light pollution. The phrase "light pollution" has been popularized in recent years.

 

Light pollution (light pollution) is the work of people creating excessive light, annoying. This can cause harmful health effects, obscure the light of stars, affect astronomical observations, waste energy and disturb ecosystems.

Light pollution is part of the impact of industrial civilization. It starts from sources like light in the front of buildings as well as inside buildings, advertising lights, industrial facilities, offices, factories, streets and sports centers. This is particularly serious in high-density, highly-populated industrial areas of the US, Europe and Japan, but even with small amounts of light can cause some problems and should be attention.

Light pollution is part of the impact of industrial civilization.

Some skeptics also believe that light pollution does not have many bad effects because it does not leave long-term consequences for the environment such as air pollution, water pollution or soil pollution. However, activists wishing to reduce the amount of light pollution think it is impractical to expect people to turn off lights because the economy of industrial society is too dependent on human light. create. Therefore, they claim that light pollution is also a problem similar to other forms of pollution, which can cause long-term negative consequences.

This view is very much in agreement with advocates of energy conservation who claim that light pollution needs to be overcome by changing the habits of society through which light is used. more effective way, reduce waste. The problem of fighting light pollution is further supported by scientific studies on a range of health issues related to excessive light: poor vision, stress, headaches and increased cancer.

Classification of light pollution

Light pollution is a broad term, referring to problems caused by the use of ineffective, irritating artificial lighting. Types of light pollution include: light trepass, over-illumination, glare, clutter (clutter) and light taking over the sky ( sky glow).

Intrusive light : this happens when light enters the territory of another person that the person does not desire, such as shining a light on a neighbor's fence, the result may be strong light Projecting through windows causes insomnia or restricts night vision. Intrusive light is particularly annoying for amateur astronomers, whose ability to observe the night sky from their homes is easily affected by any nearby light. Most major astronomical observation centers are enclosed in areas that are tightly separated from the light streams. Some American cities have set exact standards for outdoor lighting to protect such observatories.

Light abuse : this is excessive use of light. Especially in the US, light abuse is the cause of about 2 million barrels of oil wasted every day, this is calculated based on the average consumption of 50 million barrels a day of Americans (America has Up to 60% of the supply of natural gas, hydropower and other non-oil sources, the oil tank unit used here is just a simple way to describe energy use from all source).

There are many types of light pollution.

Causes of light abuse:

1. Do not use timer mode, sensor or other modes to turn off the light when not needed.
2. Unsuitable designs, especially workspaces, make using more light than necessary.
3. Choose the right types of furniture, electric lights that do not focus on the area needed.
4. Improper installation of machinery, resulting in the use of more energy than necessary for lighting.
5. Incomplete guidance of managers and people in buildings about the effective use of lighting systems.
6. Maintaining unreasonable light leads to increased amount of light and energy costs.

Most of these problems can be quickly overcome by available and less expensive technologies. However the sluggishness in adjusting the lighting design and operation of the owners has hindered the quick resolution of these problems. Public consciousness is the most important thing needed for industrialized countries to realize that big savings can come from reducing the abuse of light.

Glare: this is the result of the contrast between the bright and dark areas in view. Dazzling light directly into the pedestrian's eyes and driving can cause vision loss in the night until 1 hour later.

This also makes it difficult for the human eye to identify differences in light. Glare is a particularly serious problem for traffic safety, as this happens unexpectedly, which can cause road users and drivers to be prone to accidents. Glare can be divided in different ways. According to the division of Bob Mizon, the British Astronomical Association's Campaign for Dark Skies (British Astronomical Association's Campaign for Dark Skies), there are the following types:

1. Blinding glare: the effects of looking directly at the sun, making the eyes temporarily blind to the long-term consequences of vision.
2. Disability glare: effects similar to temporary blindness caused by car headlights.
3. Discomfort glare (Discomfort glare): this type usually does not cause very dangerous situations but only makes people feel uncomfortable, but can also cause fatigue if endured for long.
4. The light is messy: referring to too many lights at the same time. Light streams can cause confusion, distraction and can lead to accidents. This is especially the case in streets where the lighting system design is poor or there are too many advertising lights.
5. Light occupies the sky: this often happens in densely populated areas. Light from too many different sources, including light abuses, is reflected on the night sky. This particularly affects astronomers in observing stars.

Light pollution causes astronomical observations to be affected.

Impact of light pollution

Energy waste: lighting accounts for about a quarter of the world's energy consumption. Research studies also show that it is not necessary to have 50% to 90% of light in buildings. While many countries are currently working to find ways to reduce energy use after signing the Kyoto Protocol, increasing the effectiveness of using light is a measure of high results. in fast time.

Impact on astronomical observations: Most city residents cannot see stars in the night sky, except for the moon and some bright stars. This limits their understanding of space, astronomy and science in general. Amateur astronomers work very hard. Light pollution has also forced some astronomical observatories to move locations such as the Royal Observatory, Greenwich and hinder observations at other locations.

Impacts on human health and psychology: effects can be headache, fatigue, stress, impaired sexual function and increased anxiety. There is also evidence that there is a link between light pollution and the risk of breast cancer!

Disrupting ecosystems: nature is adapted to natural light and darkness. Light pollution can disturb living habits of organisms. Studies show some concrete examples of consequences caused by light pollution such as: night light reduces the ability of moths to see the road and other nocturnal insects. The flowers bloom at night, relying on these species to pollinate, thus being affected. Migratory birds may be disoriented by the light of skyscrapers. Either frogs and nocturnal salamanders are also affected. Usually when there is no light, they wake up, go to find partners and give birth. But regular light caused by light pollution causes their activity to decline .

Causing insecurity: this is quite common for night passersby. 'International Dark-Sky Association' also said that there is no scientific basis for the light that can reduce crime. Even bad artificial light can create a big contrast between light and darkness, making it easier for criminals to hide.

Measures to reduce light pollution

Reducing light pollution includes many forms such as reducing the light that occupies the sky, reducing glare, reducing light penetration, and reducing messy lighting. The best method is that the method must be suitable for the type of pollution. Measures applicable:

1. Use a light source that meets the requirements
2. Turn off lights when not needed or use timer mode
3. Improving suitable lighting tools, can focus light where needed
4. Install lamps so that light wavelengths cause less serious problems
5. Re-evaluate existing lighting systems, redesign if needed.