Light pollution is an increasing problem in the modern world. With the advances in technology and an increasing dependence on computer screens, it is no surprise that light pollution is also on the rise. There are several detrimental effects of light pollution, it is known to induce headaches, aggravate migraines and interfere with the release of melatonin and in turn, negatively affect a person’s circadian rhythm.
This problem is caused by an increasing need for artificial illumination. There is a dependence on artificial lighting to enhance visualization of dark areas, to improve security and for decorative purposes. Most significant is the utilization of artificial screens that are especially popular in major metropolitans like New York, Tokyo and Sydney. These screens significantly contribute to light pollution and increase the emission of blue wavelength light, which is notorious for its harmful effects.
Given the grievous nature of the problem, it is imperative that means to curb and control it are sought. A few solutions include limiting the regions of a city that are illuminated, where only the bustling and busy city centres should have an abundance of artificial lighting, while suburban and residential areas should only have few essential streetlights. It can also be further tackled by decreasing the time duration during which the lights are on, creating “dark days” and “dark hours” where all non-essential lights are turned off after 10p.m. or 12a.m. To reduce the individual burden, light insulation can be used for homes and apartment buildings in the form of tinted windows or nighttime shutters.
There is no doubt that increasing artificial light is a significant problem in our modern-day world and measures need to be taken not only to reduce the burden of light pollution, but to implement strategies that ensure that artificial lighting is installed in an environment friendly and health friendly way.