What is light pollution and how does it affect us?

Light pollution is a problematic global product of the overexposure to light. In addition to preventing the vision of a starry sky, it can cause Insomnia and irreversible damage to vision.

Beatriz García, doctor of astronomy, explains that there are different forms of light pollution: "From the the sky shines when it should be dark (because it's dark), until poor use of electric light for public lighting, including Deficient energy sources and an excess of lumens (the unit of luminous flux) ".

according to Gustavo Boggio Marzet, INTI Specialist, "light less or more is not the solution"But doing it the right way." In this sense, the researcher argued that artificial lighting is necessary to ensure safety or visibility in different spaces. "However," the key is to reach the Recommended levels with the lowest possible energy consumption ".

García said: "Almost every city in the world is contaminated by public lighting: lighting that illuminates façades, including some LED screens, is harmful. "

This problem not only worries researchers because it is difficult to observe a starry sky, but it is related to the sleep disorders and with damage to the mechanism of vision.

According to the scientist, he is linked to the production or inhibition of melatonin, the hormone inducing sleep. The latter is secreted by our body during the night and regulated according to the number of photons (light) reaching the retina. "If at night, everything is illuminated, the photons reach the retina permanently and there is no melatonin production," he warned.

Regarding vision problems, the situation is not encouraging either. According to María Ana Contín, researcher at Conicet: "In case of prolonged exposure to light pollution, even at night and at a moderate intensity, this produces death of photoreceptors, the neurons responsible for capturing light. "The direct consequence of this is the irreversible degeneration of the retina.

How can we protect ourselves?

Experts recommend avoid keeping indoor and outdoor lights on when it is not necessary. In addition, the use of low-consumption lamps and, in safety lighting, a low-pressure sodium vapor is recommended.