Light Pollution

Abstract

Introduction

Light – A Vital Energy Source

• Light is essential for life on Earth. Plants use it for photosynthesis, which supports all other living organisms.

• It enables vision—a key sense for humans and animals.

• Natural sources of light include the Sun and Moon, while artificial sources (bulbs, streetlights, etc.) have been created by humans to extend productivity beyond daylight hours.

Understanding Light

• Light is a form of electromagnetic radiation with varying wavelengths.

• The visible spectrum (VIBGYOR) is the range we can see.

• Scientific theories that explain light:

  • Particle Theory

  • Wave Theory

  • Electromagnetic Theory

  • Quantum Theory

• Thomas Edison’s invention of the electric bulb transformed human life and marked a major innovation.

The Dark Side – Light Pollution

• Artificial lighting, though useful, has led to light pollution—the excessive or misdirected use of light.

• Common sources: streetlights, billboards, vehicle headlights.

• Effects include:

  • Wasted energy

  • Disruption of wildlife behavior (e.g., birds, insects)

  • Human health issues like poor sleep, fatigue, and anxiety due to reduced melatonin production.

  • Loss of natural night sky visibility in cities.

Global Awareness & Action

• In 2015, UNESCO declared the International Year of Light to promote awareness of light’s responsible use and the dangers of light pollution.

How to Reduce Light Pollution

1. Switch off unused lights.

2. Use motion sensors to control lighting automatically.

3. Direct light properly to prevent upward glare.

4. Use low-wattage and warm white lights (around 2700K).

5. Schedule outdoor events during the day.

6. Host celebrations indoors at night.

7. Educate others about responsible lighting practices.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Kumar Gautam. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.