Light Pollution and Impact of Light Pollution
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International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) ISSN (Online): 2319-7064 Impact Factor (2012): 3.358 Light Pollution and Impact of Light Pollution Dr. Rasna Rajkhowa Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, T. H. B. College, Jamugurihat, Sonitpur, Assam, India Abstract: Ecological light pollution comprises direct glare, chronically increased illumination and temporary, unexpected fluctuations in lighting. The sources of ecological light pollution are very various and found in nearly every ecosystem in the form of sky glow, illuminated buildings and towers, streetlights, fishing boats, security lights, lights on vehicles, flares on offshore oil platforms, and even lights on undersea research vessels. In this paper we discuss different types of light pollution and impacts of light pollution. Avoidable light pollution refers to light flow emitted at night by artificial light sources which are inappropriate in intensity, direction and/or spectral range, unnecessary to carry out the function they are intended for, or when artificial lighting is used in particular sites, such as observatories, natural areas or sensitive landscapes. Among all causes having a negative effect on night sky quality, light pollution shows the highest immediate risks but, at the same time, it can be reduced through viable solutions. Keywords: pollution, over-illumination, Light trespass, Glare, Sky glow 1. Introduction which claimed that there is a link between light pollution and breast cancer because of the suppression of the normal With the expansion of human habitation near and within nocturnal production of melatonin. natural habitats, fragile ecosystems are increasingly exposed to artificial night lighting. The natural night sky light comes The light pollution is also believed to contribute to smog. from starlight, zodiacal light (sunlight scattering from dust According to the study by the American Geophysical Union in our solar system), and airglow in roughly equal quantities. light pollution destroys nitrate radicals thus preventing the Even a small amount of artificial light interferes with this normal night time decrease of atmospheric smog. Measuring delicate balance, changes the colour of the sky, and the total amount of light pollution in certain area is very overwhelms the starlight. Light pollution has become a difficult and complex procedure because the natural worldwide problem as it is gradually diminishing the atmosphere is not completely dark. capacity to observe the stars. This new kind of waste originates cultural, environmental and even energy impacts, Light pollution can be defined as the introduction by with unforeseeable consequences [1]. humans, directly or indirectly, of artificial light into the environment. Avoidable light pollution refers to light flow Light pollution is usually divided into the two main emitted at night by artificial light sources which are categories: annoying light and excessive light. Light inappropriate in intensity, direction and/or spectral range, pollution can be also divided to indoor and outdoor light unnecessary to carry out the function they are intended for, pollution. The official light pollution definition comes from or when artificial lighting is used in particular sites, such as the International Dark-Sky Association and states that the observatories, natural areas or sensitive landscapes. light pollution is "any adverse effect of artificial light including sky glow, glare, light trespass, light clutter, Among all causes having a negative effect on night sky decreased visibility at night, and energy waste." Light quality, light pollution shows the highest immediate risks pollution is usually occurring in large urban areas and has but, at the same time, it can be reduced through viable been shown to reduce the visibility of stars. Light pollution solutions. Irresponsible lighting includes over-illumination, also disrupts ecosystems and can even have negative health which makes an excessive and unnecessary use of artificial effects. Some scientists even argue that the ever-increasing light, as well as poorly designed luminaries which cause light pollution could lead to disruption of food webs and glare or sky glow. affect entire ecosystems. This is because the light pollution causes screening of the celestial compass for many nocturnal The Starlight Saving Time takes into account the time when animals such as beetles, moths, crickets, and spiders which artificial lighting is strictly necessary. Dark Time saves can totally disrupt their navigation ability. Light pollution energy, saves our heritage, and promotes life quality, as well can be decreased with the more efficient use of lightning. as cultural and scientific investigation. The common factor The more efficient use of lightning would require changing of these phenomena is the loss of the capacity to observe the the habit of much of our society [1]. stars, together with unnecessary impacts on people life quality, waste of energy, habitat deterioration and negative Sky glow over the large cities is a major issue for many effects on wildlife. astronomers across the globe because it obscures stars, even in perfectly clear nights. The scientists have calculated that 2. Types of Light Pollution the sky brightness is at least 2 to 4 times above normal in large parts of urban areas in Europe and North America. Light pollution is a broad term that refers to multiple Light pollution can have adverse health effects such as problems, all of which are caused by inefficient, frequent headaches, fatigue, increased stress, decrease of unappealing, or unnecessary use of artificial light. Specific libido and increased anxiety. There were also several studies categories of light pollution include light trespass, over- Volume 3 Issue 10, October 2014 www.ijsr.net Paper ID: OCT14210 Licensed Under Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 861 International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) ISSN (Online): 2319-7064 Impact Factor (2012): 3.358 illumination, glare, light clutter, and sky glow. A single An alternative calculation starts with the fact that offending light source often falls into more than one of these commercial building lighting consumes in excess of 81.68 categories. terawatts (1999 data) of electricity. Thus commercial lighting alone consumes about four to five million barrels 2.1 Light Trespass per day (equivalent) of petroleum, in line with the alternate rationale above to estimate U.S. lighting energy Light trespass occurs when unwanted light enters one's consumption. property, for instance, by shining over a neighbor's fence. A Over-illumination stems from several factors: common light trespass problem occurs when a strong light Not using timers, occupancy sensors or other controls to enters the window of one's home from outside, causing extinguish lighting when not needed problems such as sleep deprivation or the blocking of an Improper design, especially of workplace spaces, by evening view. specifying higher levels of light than needed for a given task Ordinances have also been written to limit the amount of Incorrect choice of fixtures or light bulbs, which do not light at the property line and beyond, but may be unrealistic direct light into areas as needed or vague. Realistic limits and clarity in measurement need to Improper selection of hardware to utilize more energy be provided. Stating "zero light at the property line" is too than needed to accomplish the lighting task vague. Absolute zero means that even if a light fixture is a Incomplete training of building managers and occupants mile away and the light source is visible, it is in violation, to use lighting systems efficiently and would require hoods to be placed over every light Inadequate lighting maintenance resulting in increased fixture. What is realistic may vary according to whether an stray light and energy costs area is residential or industrial, urban, suburban or rural. The "Daylight lighting" can be required by citizens to reduce credit offered by LEED provides limits at the property line crime or by shop owners to attract customers, so over- and 10-15 feet beyond it. At the 10-15 foot distance LEED illumination can be a design choice, not a fault. In both limits light to 0.01 fc. (For comparison, a full moon provides cases target achievement is questionable. 0.03 fc and a moonless night 0.004 fc). This is a very Substitution of old mercury lamps with more efficient difficult limit to comply with while providing even light on a sodium or metal halide lamps using the same electrical parking lot and driveway. Horizontal measurements are power common for interior and exterior lighting calculations. direct lighting techniques, such as lighting a vertical However, for light trespass the concern is how much light In wall to bouce photons on the ground. shines into a person's eye. Measurements may be made at approximate eye level of the vertical light level facing into Most of these issues can be readily corrected with available, the site, or aimed at the brightest light source. Exceptions inexpensive technology; however, there is considerable might be allowed where drives enter the street. This would inertia in the field of lighting design and with permit street lights at the drive entrance to make cars more landlord/tenant practices that create barriers to rapid visible as they pull into traffic. Limiting pole height is correction of these matters. Most importantly public another common ordinance tactic to reduce light trespass. awareness would