What is Light Pollution

White light is responsible for the highest amount of light pollution due to its greater brightness compared to other colors of light. The wavelength of the light does not play a role in light pollution; it is the brightness that contributes to the increase in light pollution and its associated effects.

The warmth or coolness of white light can affect your eyes differently. Light with a lower Kelvin rating tends to be warmer and less harsh on the eyes. Softer lighting is generally considered better for eye health. However, for workspaces and tasks that require more precision, cool and bright light is often necessary.

In particular, the emission spectrum of LED lights, especially those with a blue peak, can potentially impact our health by inhibiting the production of melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that our body naturally starts producing in the afternoon and reaches its highest levels during the nighttime hours.

Millions of street lights in our cities emit light that is not fully utilized for illuminating streets or sidewalks. Instead, a significant portion of this light is lost and emitted above the horizon, resulting in the brightening of the night sky. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as light pollution.

Warm light sources, such as incandescent bulbs and LED lights, have been scientifically proven to be the least harmful to the eyes. These types of lights closely resemble natural daylight, which makes them less likely to cause any eye-related issues. On the other hand, cool lighting options like fluorescent tubes and blue light emitted from devices can be damaging to the eyes and may lead to problems like eye strain.

Typically, incandescent bulbs emit warmer yellow and amber tones, whereas LEDs emit harsher white and blue tones. As a result, the light from LEDs scatters more in the atmosphere, leading to a greater contribution to outdoor light pollution.

Too much natural light can diminish the cozy atmosphere of a room, transforming it into a clinical and unwelcoming space. To counterbalance the brightness, it is essential to incorporate comforting elements like upholstered furniture, decorative pillows, and a soothing color scheme.

The main contributor to light pollution is the use of outdoor lights that emit light in an upward or sideways direction. When light escapes upwards, unless it is obstructed by a tree or building, it scatters throughout the atmosphere and increases the brightness of the night sky, resulting in a diminished view.