Light Pollution: Definition, Causes, Types, Effects and Ways to Protection

What is Light Pollution?

“We are heedless of the treasures we have; so thoughtlessly we dissipate the golden grains of light that could be hoarded in our store.”

― M.K. Soni

Light pollution is the excessive and inappropriate use of artificial outdoor lighting, which can result in adverse effects on the environment, human health and safety, and the night sky. A number of different types of light pollution exist, including skyglow, glare, and light trespass.

Skyglow is the result of light emitted into the atmosphere that scatters and reflects off particles in the air, resulting in a brightening of the night sky.

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Glare is the result of direct light shining onto one’s eyes and is usually caused by bright headlights, floodlights, and other sources of bright light.

Light trespass is the result of light spilling into areas where it is not wanted, such as a neighbor’s yard or a dark sky preserve.

Causes of Light Pollution

Light pollution is caused by many factors, including the use of outdoor lighting that is too bright or directed in the wrong direction, excessive or misdirected street lighting, and the overuse of commercial or residential lighting.

In addition, the improper disposal of light-emitting devices, such as fluorescent bulbs, can contribute to light pollution. Other causes include the overuse of signs and billboards, which can produce a large amount of light in a small area.

Even the natural reflection of light from the moon and stars can cause light pollution. All of these sources can lead to a decrease in visibility and interfere with our natural nighttime environment.

Types of Light Pollution

• Artificial light from street lights and building exteriors

Artificial light from street lights and building exteriors can extend the hours of visibility and security for people at night. It can also help to make nighttime activities more comfortable and enjoyable. Artificial lighting can also provide a sense of safety and security, as well as a feeling of being more connected to the environment. It can also be used to create a more inviting atmosphere in residential and commercial areas. Finally, artificial lighting can also help to improve visibility for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists when navigating around the city after dark.

• Glare from car headlights

Glare from car headlights can be dangerous when driving at night, especially if the driver is not wearing sunglasses. Glare from oncoming cars can make it difficult to see the road ahead, which can lead to dangerous driving conditions. To reduce the risk of glare while driving, make sure your windshield is clean, and consider purchasing a pair of polarized sunglasses to help reduce glare from headlights and other sources.

• Light trespass from neighboring property

Light trespass from neighboring property is a major issue that affects the use of outdoor lighting. This is when light from a neighbor’s property shines onto your property, creating a nuisance and diminishing the quality of life. To prevent this, it is important to install light fixtures that are designed to limit the amount of light that can shine onto other properties. This can be done by using shielding, motion sensors, and timed lighting systems. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the laws in your area regarding outdoor lighting, to make sure that you are not creating a nuisance for your neighbors.

• Skyglow from city lights

Skyglow from city lights is a phenomenon that occurs when light from urban areas is scattered in the atmosphere, resulting in an overall brightening of the sky. This phenomenon can have a significant impact on the environment, disrupting the natural night sky and having an impact on ecosystems. Additionally, skyglow can be disruptive to human activities, such as stargazing and astronomy.

For this reason, cities and towns around the world are beginning to look into solutions to reduce skyglow, such as using LED lighting, installing shields to reduce the amount of light that escapes into the sky, and promoting dark sky conservation initiatives.

• Unshielded outdoor lighting

Unshielded outdoor lighting can be a major source of light pollution. It can cause glare, reduce visibility, and disrupt the natural cycle of day and night. Unshielded outdoor lighting can also interfere with the wildlife, disrupting their natural behavior. It can also be detrimental to human health, increasing the risk of diseases such as cancer and diabetes.

To reduce the negative effects of unshielded outdoor lighting, it is important to install shields or shields that are designed to direct light downward and away from the eyes of passersby. It is also important to use outdoor lighting fixtures with the lowest possible wattage to reduce light pollution.

• Light pollution from advertising signs and billboards

Light pollution from advertising signs and billboards can also negatively impact ecosystems. Due to the excessive light, it can disrupt the natural cycles of nocturnal animals and cause confusion for migrating birds. The artificial light can also disrupt plant growth by throwing off their natural circadian rhythms. As such, it is important to limit the amount of light pollution in order to preserve the delicate balance of the environment.

15 Ways to Protect Light Pollution

1. Reduce outdoor lighting in your home. Install motion sensors or timers to ensure lights only go on when necessary.

2. Opt for LED bulbs, which use less energy and produce less light pollution.

3. Encourage local businesses to reduce their lighting at night.

4. Take a “dark sky vacation” and visit a place with minimal light pollution.

5. Educate your family and community about the importance of reducing light pollution.

6. Join a local dark sky organization and get involved in their efforts to reduce light pollution.

7. Plant trees and shrubs to reduce the amount of light reflected from pavement and buildings.

8. Participate in Earth Hour and turn off all lights for an hour.

9. Do not leave your porch lights on all night; instead use a timer to turn it off when it’s not in use.

10. Support local and national efforts to reduce light pollution.

11. Make sure that all outside lighting is fully shielded. Make sure that any lights that shine upward or outward are directed downwards and shielded to limit their impact on the night sky.

12. Turn off all outdoor lights when not in use. This includes holiday decorations and floodlights. If it is necessary to have them on, then use motion sensors that will only turn the lights on when needed.

13. Be mindful when driving. Turn off headlights when traveling through rural areas to avoid disrupting the night sky.

14. Support local and state initiatives to limit light pollution. Many cities have adopted lighting ordinances which require the use of full-cutoff fixtures which direct light downwards.

15. Support organizations who work to reduce light pollution. There are many organizations dedicated to preserving the night sky, so join them and help spread awareness.

Laws in Place to Protect Against Light Pollution

Light pollution is a growing environmental concern, and several countries and states have taken measures to protect against it. In the United States, the federal government has passed the Dark Skies Act which requires that all outdoor lighting fixtures be designed and installed in a way that reduces light pollution. This law also requires that lights be turned off when not in use.

Other states have laws against light pollution, such as the California Outdoor Lighting Act, which mandates that outdoor lighting fixtures be shielded and installed in a way that reduces glare and light trespass.

Additionally, many cities have enacted ordinances that require businesses and homeowners to install lighting fixtures that are designed to reduce light pollution.

In addition to laws in the United States, other countries have also implemented regulations to protect against light pollution. In the European Union, the Environmental Lighting Directive has been in place since 1998 and is designed to reduce light pollution from outdoor lighting fixtures. Several countries in Europe have also made commitments to reduce their light pollution levels with the help of the European Dark Sky Association.