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| Last Updated:: 14/09/2015

How light pollution is affecting life

 

 

It may be the city that never sleeps and one that is exciting and fun to live in, but Mumbai like most metros also comes with its downside, that inescapable light pollution.



This comes from its unending traffic, obtrusive artificial light signboards that illuminate places and other multiple sources like overly bright offices as well as residential and commercial places. Experts say being privy to such artificial light may have adverse health effects. Not just this, it also leads to the disappearance of natural dark skies. Light pollution, unlike other forms of environmental pollution is largely overlooked and often people don't even realise its harmful effects.

 

Harmful Effects


- Glare over a long time from artificial light can be discomforting. It creates a loss of visibility from stray light being scattered within the eye.


- If you are exposed to a light source while sleeping, it may lead to a decrease in the levels of melatonin production (a hormone, which is produced by the pineal gland in the brain approximately between 9 pm and 8 am)


- This affects the sleep cycle and leads to sleep disorders.
- Being exposed to artificial light and air for long hours at work may make employees irritable and fatigued.


- Improper spectral composition of light can lead to ageing of eyes.

 


- Such artificial light hides natural starlight and leads to a disruption in the functioning of circadian rhythms (24-hour processes of most organisms such as eating, sleeping and mating).

 

 

Read more: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/How-light-pollution-is-affecting-life/articleshow/48943024.cms