Consequences of Light Pollution

Colman, M. S. (2018, April 9). See how NYC’s skies would look with stars if there was no light pollution. 6sqft.

We light our surroundings at night to be able to continue some activities we do during the day. To see better, work more easily, to be in a better environment, and to feel more secure. The reasons are quite reasonable at first glance. However, using light in the wrong place, amount, direction or even at the wrong time is called “light pollution”. Today, the use of night lighting systems are so wrong, that this situation affects all living things in the world in some form. As a result of these mistakes, you may notice that we light the sky rather than where we want to see, especially in large cities. It is a great irresponsibility to ignore such a big problem in a world, where all living things interact with each other, and where light is used so impulsively.

The Effects of Light Pollution on The Ecosystem

When talking about light pollution, the first example that comes to mind and everyone knows is the “Caretta Caretta” turtle. Instead of being able to use the brightness of the moon, they are confused by the lights of the city. Therefore, they cannot reach the sea.

Nocturnal Birds

Whyte, C. (2019, July 24). Light pollution’s effects on birds may help to spread West Nile virus. New Scientist.

Birds are other creatures that are negatively affected by light pollution. Nocturnal birds use moonlight and stars to navigate. Artificial light created by humans causes nocturnal birds to lose their navigation. As a result, each year millions of birds get tired of trying to navigate through the city lights, and eventually die by hitting high-rise buildings. Also, artificial lights affect the circadian rhythm. Consequently, birds experience disruptions in their spawning time, and migrating early or late.

Insects

Ogliore, T. (2020, November 27). Four ways to curb light pollution, save bugs | The Source | Washington University in St. Louis. The Source.

Besides birds, about half of the millions of insect species on Earth are nocturnal. The effect of artificial lights varies according to insect species. For example, bioluminescent creatures, which emit light as a result of chemical reactions, use the light to find mates. Fireflies for example, suffer from artificial light, as it is a big obstacle in their circle of life. Artificial light is also a misleading factor for insect species that reach water sources and breed there. Among these insect species, there are also insect species whose lifespan is only a day such as mayflies. They simply reproduce and die within a day. Such great influence on breeding, which is essential for the survival of the species, continues to be an increasing danger for insect’s species extinction day by day.

The Effects of Light Pollution on Human Health

While most scientists suggest that there is a link between artificial light and breast cancer, it has been proven in an laboratory environment that there is no direct relationship between breast cancer and artificial light. However, light exposure at night causes the growth and spread of cancerous masses within the body. Furthermore, artificial lights causing light pollution affect many biological activities such as hormone releases and cell regulation. This is a major problem affecting a person’s quality of life. Such malfunctions in biological activities open possibilities for serious ailments such as depression, insomnia, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.

Sources;

1 International Dark-Sky Association. (2016, September 12). Light Pollution Effects on Wildlife and Ecosystems.

2 Carrington, D. (2019, November 23). Light pollution is key “bringer of insect apocalypse.” The Guardian.

3 Missing the Dark: Health Effects of Light Pollution. (2009, January 1). PubMed Central (PMC).

4 Colman, M. S. (2018, April 9). See how NYC’s skies would look with stars if there was no light pollution. 6sqft.

5 Whyte, C. (2019, July 24). Light pollution’s effects on birds may help to spread West Nile virus. New Scientist.

6 Ogliore, T. (2020, November 27). Four ways to curb light pollution, save bugs | The Source | Washington University in St. Louis. The Source.

7 P. (2019, September 30). Effects of Light Pollution. Premier Lighting.