Light Pollution

Light Pollution

Pollution comes in many forms, each resulting in a negative impact on the quality of the lives of human beings, animals, plants, and the planet. Although many people, governments, and organizations are vocal in demanding the reduction and elimination of these pollutants and their causes, many fail to recognize one of the most destructive and widespread forms of pollution found in most areas of the planet, light pollution. The purpose of this paper will be to discuss the various causes of light pollution, examine the harmful effects it can have on humans, animals, and plants, and to explore various options for reducing light pollution in our night skies.

Causes of Light Pollution

The main cause of light pollution is the overuse of artificial lighting. Considered by many to be one of the fastest growing forms of environmental pollution, light pollution is the result of unnecessary artificial light from many sources. These sources include empty office buildings with the lights left on and powerful lamps used on construction sites. It is found in street lamps that over illuminate an area well beyond the roads, in lights on billboards, business signs, headlights from passing vehicles, security lighting, powerful lamps on sports stadiums, spot lights, neon signs, and many other sources of artificial light (Ron Chepesiuk, 2009).

Forms of Light Pollution

There are many forms of light pollution. The first form, sky glow, occurs when particles of water in the air scatters light, causing a halo effect. When artificial lighting goes beyond a needed area of illumination, spilling onto adjacent properties, this effect is known as light trespass. When light shines horizontally, this is known as glare. Unnecessary light for areas where no illumination is in need, such as an empty building or field, is known as over illumination (Ron Chepesiuk, 2009)....