Who knew that city light pollution could lead to more diseases. I never thought about this as an environmental thread. However, in a study done by researchers at the University of Florida, artificial lights have been known to spread vector-borne diseases like the West Nile virus. This is specifically interesting for urban cities in California, Texas, and Utah. Living in an urban city in California, this information is somewhat alarming because there isn't really much that can be done about light pollutions. The study focuses on sparrows specifically carrying the diseases to mosquitoes who then can transmit the diseases to humans. Researchers note that if this can happen with one species of bird, then it can happen with others. This makes it an issue towards other vector-borne illnesses such as the zika or malaria virus. At this point, there is not much that can be done but for researchers to gather as much information as they can on the topic of light pollution. So maybe as starters, we can begin turning off our lights at night.
Reference:
Poon, L. (2018). More Lights, More Diseases? City Lab. Retrieved from https://www.citylab.com/environment/2018/01/how-light-pollution-can-fuel-the-spread-of-diseases/550709/ .
Hi Tina, this is a very interesting article, just like you I have never thought there is such thing as light pollution. In our everyday life we can't live without light, but I do think your suggestions of turning off our lights at night is a good point, not only does that help conserve energy, it can also prevent mosquitoes.
ReplyDeleteHello Tina,
ReplyDeleteWhat?! This is crazy! I had no idea light pollution can contribute to the spread of more diseases. Although it makes sense that animals carrying harmful diseases would become confused at night when lights are turned on. This is definitely a very difficult situation to resolve. Maybe more awareness in urban cities would be a start so people can at least be aware/conscious of this issue.
Hello Tina,
ReplyDeleteWhat?! This is crazy! I had no idea light pollution can contribute to the spread of more diseases. Although it makes sense that animals carrying harmful diseases would become confused at night when lights are turned on. This is definitely a very difficult situation to resolve. Maybe more awareness in urban cities would be a start so people can at least be aware/conscious of this issue.