qe STUDIES & DISASTER MANAGEV 4.19 Light Pollution caused by the inappropriate or excessive use of is : artifi ea have serious environmental consequences for hie wildlife, and our climate. ( Light pollution is a by-product of modern civilization. Building extern, we interior lighting, advertising, commercial properties, offices, taco ries, streetlights, and illuminated sporting venues are examples of its sources, t Much of the outdoor lighting used at night is inefficient, overly bright, poorly targeted, inadequately shielded, and, in many cases, completely unnecessary, This light, as well as the electricity used to produce it, is being wasted by dispersing it into the sky rather than focusing it on the objects and areas that people want illuminated. Light pollution is a worldwide problem. Singapore, Qatar, and Kuwait are among the most light-polluted countries on the planet. [A] Components of light pollution include: Sky glow is the brightening of the night sky, primarily over urban areas, caused by the electric lights of cars, streetlamps, offices, factories, outdoor advertising, and buildings, effectively turning night into day for those who work and play long after sunset. People who live in cities with a lot of sky glow have a hard time seeing more than a few stars atnight. Astronomers are especially concerned about sky glow pollution because it impairs their ability to see celestial objects More than 80% of the world’s population, and 99 percent of Americans and Europeans, live under the influence of sky glow. Glare is excessive brightness that can cause eye strain (for example, when driving). Clutter is defined as bright, disorienting, and excessive groupings of light sources (for example, Times Square in New York City, New York) Light trespass occurs when light iti i i i 5 oe ight enters an area where it is not desired or required (lke a streetlight illuminating a nearby bedroom window) [B] Effects of Light Pollution ase she! has the potential to disruptnatural body rhythms in both humans sed enionly) ight time light disrupts sleep and confuses the body clock, whith physiolopical orn clock that guides day and night activities and influes** fe the products args in nearly all living organisms. One of these process is the prod ne hormone melatonin, which is released in the datk a" tnubited in! the preverice Of light, Increased lisht at ayene ccc enclatoni? Production, resulting in sleep deprivation, fat and other health issues, Recent research’ at night reduces melaton! fatigue, headaches, stress, anv) also suggests a link between!"ENVIRONMENT iti 57 melatonin levels and cancer. Moreover, a growing body of evidence connects the brightening night sky to measurable negative consequences such as: increasing energy consumption, disrupting the ecosystem and wildli i eee. yystem and wildlife, harming human According, to research, light pollution affects animal behaviours such as migration patterns, wake-sleep habits, and habitat formation. Sea turtles and pirds guided by moonlight during migration become confused, lose their way, and often die because of light pollution. Large numbers of insects, which are a primary food source for birds and other animals, are drawn to artificial lights and are instantly killed when they meet them. This has an impact on birds as well, and many cities have implemented a “Lights Out” programme to turn off building lights during bird migration. A study of blackbirds (Turdus merula) in Germany discovered that traffic noise and artificial night lighting cause city birds to become more active than country birds, waking and singing up to five hours earlier. Underwater artificial lighting may have an impact on animals that live beneath the waves. One study investigated how marine animals reacted to brightly lit panels submerged in water off the coast of Wales. Fewer filter-feeding animals, such as sea squirts and sea bristles, established themselves near the lighted panels. This could imply that light from oil rigs, passing ships, and harbours is causing changes in marine ecosystems. [Cl Solutions People are taking more steps to reduce light pollution and restore the natural night sky. Many states have passed legislation to regulate outdoor lighting, and manufacturers have created high-efficiency light sources that save energy and reduce light pollution. Individuals are encouraged to use outdoor lighting only when and where it is needed, to ensure that outdoor lights are properly shielded and directed downward rather than upward into the sky, and to close window blinds, shades, and curtains at night to keep light inside. 1.20 Sound Pollution or Noise Pollution Noise pollution is defined as repeated exposure to any unwanted or disturbing sound that has an adverse effect on the health and well-being ‘of humans and other organisms. Noise pollution isan unseen threat. Itcannot beseen, butitexists bothonlandand beneath the sea, The intensity of sound is measured in decibels (dB). The faintest Bee ieeaciiiman'ear can hear is 1b. The World Health Organization tos that sound levels less than 70 decibels are notharmful to living organisms, dless of how long or consistent the exposure is. Exposure to constant above 85 dB for more than 8 hours may be hazardous. If you work for 8