What are the effects of light on our body?
A new map was created showing the areas most affected by artificial light pollution. The experts assess the effects of this light on our mental and physical health.
A very comprehensive map called 'World Atlas of Artificial Light Brightness in the Night Sky' was published this month in Science Advances. The satellite atlas of the first atlas in 2001 was not as advanced as it is today. The new atlas therefore contains a much clearer image.
Atlas measures the 'sparkle of artificial sky' that is reflected in the atmosphere from the electric light on earth at night. The glow is caused by light pollution. And what is the extent of this pollution?
Fabio Falchi, an Italian scientist at the head of the Atlas team, says that due to light pollution, one-third of people can no longer see the Milky Way galaxy, and the greatest loss is in industrialized areas. 60% of Europeans and 80% of North Americans cannot see the Milky Way galaxy at night.
But the problem with light pollution is not only about seeing stars, of course. Falchi and his team say that this pollution also affects the environment and public health.
Where is the most intense light pollution?
The satellite performs measurements and travels on poles at an altitude of 800 km from the ground, taking pictures of Earth at night. The location and intensity of the light are determined. These measurements are then converted into maps.
The brighter the sky on the map, the harder it is to see the stars at night. For example, you can see only a few stars in the night sky on Times Square in New York.
Singapur Singapore is the most heavily polluted country. So much so that the eyes of the people here cannot use their ability to adapt to night vision, Fal says Falchi.
In major metropolises in Europe, America and Asia, the level of light on the streets prevents or delays our body from shifting to night-time as it should be.
In developed countries, electric light is widely used and this causes a serious change in the environment.
Light pollution is not only a big city problem. For example, the light emitted from Las Vegas and Los Angeles also affects Death Valley National Park.
Body clock
Like other living things in the world, people have a body clock, and this clock rhythmically regulates sleep and wake patterns, hunger, activity, hormone production, body temperature and many other psychological processes. This clock, which runs every 24 hours, depends on important signals such as daylight and darkness.
The light pollution shown in the atlas is not alone and at a level that directly affects our body clock. This measurement is made by determining the extent to which melatonin is suppressed.
The light pollution measured by the Atlas is based on the reflection of the electric light in the atmosphere. These lights in our homes, workplaces and streets often have a disturbing effect on the body clock.
The shaping of the physiological structure according to the body clock emerged as a result of billions of years of evolution. The introduction of electricity into people's lives has been in question since the end of the 19th century and its spread since the 20th century. So this time is a tiny drop in the ocean in terms of evolution.
Lately, doubts have arisen that disruption of the body clock causes problems such as sleep problems, obesity, diabetes, some cancers and mood disorders! The most important factor is the electric light exposed at night.
Light pollution also causes ecological problems such as migratory birds and the death of marine mammals.
What light?
He is seriously investigating what kind of lights are more harmful to the body clock at what times of day ...
Accordingly, a bright light with high blue content during the day (fluorescent), dim light with low blue content at night is recommended. It is also advisable to stay away from the bright blue screen tablets and smartphones in the evening.
The most important data that will be revealed by these studies will be the application of the least harmful light in street lamps. In Los Angeles and New York, the fact that street lights have been completely transformed into 'white' LED lights is highly criticized. Because this light contains the blue wavelength that is most damaging to human in terms of body clock rhythm and night physiology.
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