Light Pollution: To What Extent We are Concerned About
Rahatul Zannat Tanha *
Faculty of Agricultural Economics and Business Studies, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh.
Proloy Chakraborty Tusher
Faculty of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Science, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh.
Abdullah Al Zabir
Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Tasfia Tabassum Raisa
Department of Botany, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Tauhidul Islam
Department of Public Health and Informatics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Md. Ariful Islam
Technical- Poultry & Livestock, BRAC, Bangladesh
Swarna Saha
Faculty of Fisheries, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Light pollution is now a global problem with a catastrophic impact on human health, environment, ecology, plant life cycle, and animals. Some nations have enacted laws aimed at limiting light pollution. Unfortunately, there is no such regulation in Bangladesh, and if there is, it is not being enforced. In this study, an attempt has been made to investigate people's perceptions of light pollution in Bangladesh. This study collected three hundred forty samples using a convenient sampling technique. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the data. Among the sources, the respondents identified commercial light, fireworks, light from the market, and light from billboards as the major sources of light pollution. Besides light from the neighbor's house, own domestic light, events light, and light from home were assumed to be the significant disturbing light sources. Findings showed that most respondents agreed with the hazardous impact of light pollution on human health, animals, the environment, and the ecosystem. Among the possible solutions, respondents recommended developing awareness, limiting light at night-time, cutting off unnecessary lights, and reducing the frequent use of decorative lights. Results conclude that people have a sound understanding and good perception of light pollution. So the associate agents can take appropriate steps toward light pollution control.
Keywords: Light pollution, artificial light, perception, light at night, Bangladesh