Light pollution

Light Pollution

Light pollution (pronunciation: /laɪt pəˈluːʃ(ə)n/) is a form of environmental pollution caused by excessive, misdirected, or obtrusive artificial light produced by human activity.

Etymology

The term "light pollution" is a combination of the words "light" (from Old English "lēoht", meaning "brightness") and "pollution" (from Latin "pollutio", meaning "defilement"). It was first used in the late 20th century to describe the negative impact of artificial light on the natural darkness of the night sky.

Definition

Light pollution is characterized by the brightening of the night sky caused by street lights and other man-made sources, which interferes with astronomical observations and disrupts ecosystems. It is categorized into four main types: sky glow, glare, light trespass, and clutter.

• Sky glow is the bright halo that appears over urban areas at night. It is caused by artificial light being scattered by the gases and particles in the atmosphere.
• Glare is excessive brightness that causes visual discomfort. High levels of glare can decrease visibility.
• Light trespass occurs when unwanted or intrusive light spills over from a neighbouring property.
• Clutter is bright, confusing, and excessive groupings of light sources, commonly found in over-lit urban areas.

Effects

Light pollution has several negative effects on both the environment and human health. It can disrupt the circadian rhythm of humans and wildlife, leading to sleep disorders and other health problems. It also interferes with the feeding and breeding patterns of nocturnal animals. In addition, light pollution hampers astronomical research by reducing the contrast of the night sky.

Prevention and Control

Efforts to control light pollution include the use of shielding on lights, reducing unnecessary outdoor lighting, and using lower-intensity lights. Many jurisdictions have also enacted laws and regulations to control light pollution.

Related Terms

• Dark-sky movement
• Astronomy
• Ecology
• Environmental pollution
• Circadian rhythm

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Light pollution
• Wikipedia's article - Light pollution

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