From the Wall Street Journal (July 25), “Around the world, the night sky is vanishing in a fog of artificial light, which a coalition of naturalists, astronomers and medical researchers consider one of the fastest growing forms of pollution, with consequences for wildlife, people’s health—and the human spirit.
About two-thirds of the world’s population, no longer sees a starry sky where they live. For much of the world, it never even gets dark enough for human eyes to adjust to night vision.” Scientists have measured that the glare of city lights even two hundred miles away can visibly alter the natural night lightscape of over 2,000 stars. Italian researchers have calculated that the amount of artificial light worldwide has tripled since 1970.
There is some data that suggests that prolonged “night shift” exposure to artificial light may be linked to increases in certain types of cancer, including colorectal and breast. And the impact of artificial light on animal breeding cycles and migratory patterns has long been noted.
In addition to saving money on electricity, we think that turning off your lights at night, including the one over the front door, might just be a smart move.
About two-thirds of the world’s population, no longer sees a starry sky where they live. For much of the world, it never even gets dark enough for human eyes to adjust to night vision.” Scientists have measured that the glare of city lights even two hundred miles away can visibly alter the natural night lightscape of over 2,000 stars. Italian researchers have calculated that the amount of artificial light worldwide has tripled since 1970.
There is some data that suggests that prolonged “night shift” exposure to artificial light may be linked to increases in certain types of cancer, including colorectal and breast. And the impact of artificial light on animal breeding cycles and migratory patterns has long been noted.
In addition to saving money on electricity, we think that turning off your lights at night, including the one over the front door, might just be a smart move.
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