Snippet: Researchers studied the impact of light pollution on zebrafish and discovered that blue light, like that emitted by phones and electronic devices, caused the most significant anxiety responses. After only five nights of exposure, the zebrafish began to exhibit signs of anxiety. Furthermore, the next generation of zebrafish displayed anxiety-related behaviors, indicating the potential for long-term effects across generations. Source https://earthsky.org/earth/light-pollution-fish-next-generation/

Newsletter https://mailchi.mp/emfsa/emfsa-september-2024-newsletter

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Link to our free August 2024 newsletter https://mailchi.mp/emfsa/august2024news

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Photo by redcharlie | @redcharlie1 on Unsplash

Comments submitted by EMFSA in 2022:

The bill is important to us because we are concerned about increasing pollution caused by ionizing and non ionizing radiation, as well as light pollution.

We support this very important bill, however we have some concerns and suggestions:

There is a lack of research on the effects of co- exposures of non ionizing radiation and other pollutants, for example radon, light pollution, and air pollution.

The bill should incorporate interdisciplinary science:

Electromagnetic / sub-molecular medical science treatments can be implemented in an economically affordable and sustainable manner within the Climate Change Framework.

The number of EMF and Climate Change related complaints received by various government departments has been increasing over time. In the past, these have not been handled optimally, but there is now a general consensus to strive toward cooperative solutions and synergy. One of the proposed means employed is to increase both technical and non-technical communication strategies. 

Magnetic field drop zone:

NASA has been observing an unusually large weak spot in the Earth’s magnetic field called the South Atlantic Anomaly, or SAA. Initially, over South America, it is migrating and extending over Southern Africa. Particle radiation in this SAA region can knock out onboard computers and interfere with the data collection of satellites that pass through it. Research groups must take into account current observations and model the behavior of the SAA in order to monitor and predict future changes. This will help prepare for future challenges to satellites, humans, and agriculture affected by the SAA. It is not only the magnetic field drop that is of importance but solar photon levels as well.

The bill should address the vulnerabilities of the unique diversity of the South African public – priority should be given to Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and the role of coupled and uncoupled haplotype groups. What works in the rest of the world might not work for South Africa.

Mobile Telecommunications Industry

The bill should include and ensure that carbon emissions by the technologies (as used by the mobile telecommunications industry in South Africa) be captured, quantified and easily accessible to the public. A pathway that emissions will be reduced over a period of time should be clearly indicated.

There is concern in South Africa as in the rest of the world of the impact of 5G on climate change and it would be reassuring to know that these concerns are being addressed.

Department of energy’s role:

The bill should address concerns about renewable energy:

•Utilities SMART meters: Similar to both France and the Netherlands in SA some members of the public, and municipal pilot projects have submitted complaints about SMART meter installations. One of the main complaints surrounds RF emissions. Both in FR, and the NLs some members of the public have been granted the “old” or digital meter system over the newer SMART meters. In the SA High Court 2017, it was suggested the primary setting default to ethernet (hardwire) for utility SMART meters. This brings about advantages synergistic with other promoted services, i.e. increased data security, faster-broadband infrastructure, and reduced RF spurious emissions. However, according to USA court case reviews, there may still be an issue of voltage transients. If this is still the case it can have detrimental effects on electronics and or sensitive medical or scientific research equipment. 

•Energy transmission: Similar to Germany, with increasing electrical energy demands and services the generation and transmission of power is requiring increasing proximity between the generating source, transmission line, and the population. This is also evident with the expansion of renewable energy and the upgrading of existing infrastructure. There is general consensus that additional precautionary and safety measures are required when erecting or significantly altering low-frequency installations and direct current installations. Possibilities must be exhausted to minimize the EM and EMF generated by the respective installation using state-of-the-art processes taking into account the circumstances within the respective installers’ sphere of influence. Installations of low-frequency electricity transmission infrastructure (with a frequency of 50 Hz and a rated voltage of 220 Kilovolt and more) which are being erected in new areas are not allowed to be erected over buildings or parts of buildings intended for the long-term occupation of humans. Recent advances in technology, unified with the requirements of the state promise substantial reductions in project CAPEX and ongoing operating costs.

•Electric vehicles (EV): EVs require an expanded and accelerated rollout of necessary infrastructure. After reviewing the positive and negative concerns raised in the literature, there seems to be an emerging consensus that EVs design can be modified with minimal effort to address negative factors. In the context of the RSA, the opportunity to export EVs into the AU presents a number of economic opportunities. At the same time, it presents an opportunity to address environmental concerns related to EVs. EV’s are here to stay and the field must be addressed.

The bill should make strong provision for regulation of renewable energy products, for instance as EMFSA we encounter some products sold as having a “pure sine wave” when in our opinion, it does not. 

The bill should incorporate the effect of renewable energy products on wildlife:

•Wind power: eagles, bats etc.

•Marine life:

Powerships, gas exploration, underwater cables etc.

As well as how fishing communities will be affected.

Partially referenced from:

World Health Organization – International EMF Project – International Advisory Committee (IAC) – 25th anniversary of the International EMF Project and the 10th Optical Radiation meeting, South Africa National Report 2021 https://tinyurl.com/mtsremt4

Lech, James; Krüger, Tjaart; Boros, László; Venter, Derik; Obajuluwa, Adejoke; Abrahamse, Heidi; et al. (2022): World Health Organization – International EMF Project – International Advisory Committee (IAC) – 11th anniversary of the International Optical Radiation and 26th anniversary of EMF Project meeting, South Africa National Report 2022. 

The post Comments on Climate Change Bill tabled in Parliament, February 2022 appeared first on EMFSA.

The intentions are good: help save the planet by reducing energy consumption from streetlights. Claims also include the reduction of light pollution.

However, there could be unintended consequences associated with energy saving LED streetlights.

Artificial Light at Night (ALAN), Light Pollution and Circadian Disruption:

In many cases these new LED streetlights are contributing to light pollution, with serious environmental consequences for humans, wildlife, and our climate.

Since 2017 there is general scientific consensus that light has the most significant outcome on altering any biochemistry in life, either positively or negatively.

So-called “white” LEDs emit a portion of their light at wavelengths below 500 nm (blue). These wavelengths are not beneficial to human and environmental health.

The 2022 National WHO EMF Project Report IAC-ZA  mandates that streetlights are modified/adjusted by changing from an energy flux model (white) to a photon flux model (orange/red). UV is included too and flicker. A photon flux model results in significantly lower energy inputs and is much more beneficial to human health.

Mounting evidence indicates that disruption of circadian regulation is associated with a wide variety of adverse health consequences, including increased risk for premature death, cancer, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular dysfunction, immune dysregulation, reproductive problems, mood disorders, and learning deficits. Of particular interest here is obesity and breast cancer.

•In 2019 a working group from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded that “shift work that involves circadian disruption is probably carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2A): IARC Monographs Vol 124 group. Carcinogenicity of night shift work: Lancet Oncology; Published 4 July 2019. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1470-2045(19)30455-3

•2 June 2020 IARC Monographs Volume 124: Night Shift Work https://tinyurl.com/5tk2y76v

 •In 2016, the American Medical Association responded to the growing body of evidence suggesting that intense LEDs are harmful to human health by recommending that communities change streetlights to “minimize and control blue-rich environmental lighting.”

Energy Flux versus Photon Flux model

Video

25:39 Night Sky, Satellites

26:19 Energy Flux versus Photon Flux model

Western Cape Nature residential estate:

Prone to wildfires, drought and high winds on the coast dune line.

Intervention: external building lighting changed to a Photon-flux model.

Outcome:

•Night sky constellations and satellites were significantly more visible.

•Significant increase in wildlife visibility and engagement within the area. 

•Residents went to sleep earlier and there was a decrease of reported health complaints.

•Decrease in property break in attempts at night. 

•Neighboring vegetation growth on the dune increased, and grass lawn resilience to the summer elements, heat and winds significantly increased as illustrated in the images below.

A Human Right:

On the 28th of July 2022 the UN General Assembly adopted a landmark resolution recognizing the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment as a human right and calling for greater global efforts to ensure that principle is upheld. 

This resolution updates the Equality Act under the heading of International Binding Treaties, as per the 2022 National WHO EMF Project Report IAC-ZA

This is not progress!

A LED energy saving street light is placed in very close proximity to a residence (without any warning or consultation with the homeowner). 

The light is so bright that it is impossible to spend time outside at night in the garden.

To make matters worse, the light is on all day.

Imagine the frustration- attempts to resolve the matter are ignored;  enquiries to the municipality in regards to the specifications of the light are ignored or sent from pillar to post.

The public is aware that some smart cities incorporate sensors for air quality, pedestrian traffic, monitoring electricity use and more. In addition some streetlights are equipped for telecommunication purposes. Is it a wonder then that conspiracy theories flourish – when there is such a lack of transparency and cooperation?

“Done well, LEDs could save the planet, in the sense of reining in light pollution,” says astronomer John Barentine, also of International Dark-Sky Association. “Done carelessly, it could be devastating.”

References:

2022 National WHO EMF Project Report IAC-ZA

American Medical Association warns of health and safety problems from ‘white’ LED streetlights https://tinyurl.com/bdcs76cz

UN General Assembly Resolution https://tinyurl.com/y9ksmcyz

Thomas Münzel, Omar Hahad, Andreas Daiber, The dark side of nocturnal light pollution. Outdoor light at night increases risk of coronary heart disease, European Heart Journal, Volume 42, Issue 8, 21 February 2021, Pages 831–834, https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehaa866

Miao Cao, Ting Xu, Daqiang Yin, Understanding light pollution: Recent advances on its health threats and regulations, Journal of Environmental Sciences, Volume 127, 2023, Pages 589-602, 1001-0742, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jes.2022.06.020

Bright LEDs could spell the end of dark skies MIT Technology Review https://www.technologyreview.com/2022/08/17/1057652/outdoor-led-lighting/

Our nights are getting brighter and Earth is paying the price https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/nights-are-getting-brighter-earth-paying-the-price-light-pollution-dark-skies

Shanghai wants to dim light pollution https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202208/05/WS62ec779ea310fd2b29e70776.html

The post Energy Saving LED Street Lights-The Unintended Consequences appeared first on EMFSA.

the night sky (Section 1);

wildlife and ecology (Section 2);

human health (Section 3);

public safety (Section 4);

energy security and climate change (Section 5);

and social justice (Section 6).

It also includes a discussion of the emerging threat from light pollution caused by objects orbiting the Earth (Section 7).

Finally, it concludes with a discussion of the knowledge gaps that exist within these topics and the research questions whose answers can fill the gaps (Section 8).

It is intended be useful to those seeking to broaden their understanding of research on the causes and consequences of artificial light at night.

Source:

https://www.darksky.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/SOTS-post-final-version-220527.pdf

https://www.darksky.org/artificial-light-at-night-state-of-the-science-2022-report/

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Abstract

The prevalence of artificial lights not only improves the lighting conditions for modern society, but also poses kinds of health threats to human health. Although there are regulations and standards concerning light pollution, few of them are based on the potential contribution of improper lighting to diseases. Therefore, a better understanding of the health threats induced by light pollution may promote risk assessment and better regulation of artificial lights, thereby a healthy lighting environment. This review is based on a careful collection of the latest papers from 2018 to 2022 about the health threats of light pollution, both epidemiologically and experimentally. In addition to summing up the novel associations of light pollution with obesity, mental disorders, cancer, etc., we highlight the toxicological mechanism of light pollution via circadian disruption, since light pollution directly interferes with the natural light-dark cycles, and damages the circadian photoentrainment of organisms. And by reviewing the alternations of clock genes and disturbance of melatonin homeostasis induced by artificial lights, we aim to excavate the profound impacts of light pollution based on accumulating studies, thus providing perspectives for future research and guiding relevant regulations and standards.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1001074222003291

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Key Points

Question  Is artificial light at night (ALAN) associated with sleep disorders in Chinese children?

Findings  In this cross-sectional study including 201 994 participants from the National Chinese Children Health Study, children with high levels of outdoor ALAN exposure had increased sleep scores and increased odds of sleep disorder symptoms. Children’s age modified the associations of outdoor ALAN with sleep score and sleep disorders, and the associations were generally stronger in children younger than 12 years.

Meaning  These findings suggest that reducing the amount of outdoor light pollution in China could reduce the severity of sleep disorders among children.

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2792494

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Click on the blue time links below the video to jump straight to a talk.

This FAS webinar is aimed at the interested amateur through to early-career post-doctorate researcher. It aims to bring together expert speakers to explain the challenges that are posed by large constellations of satellites to the use of LEO space, the Earth environment, Indigenous cultures and Astronomy.

0:00:12 Day 1 Programme

0:01:20 Welcome, Dr Paul A. Daniels

0:03:02 An Introduction to Megaconstellations, Prof Andy Lawrence

0:28:09 SpaceX Satellites and the Night Sky, David Goldstein

0:57:57 Responsible Constellations, Maurizio Vanotti

1:17:30 40 Minute Lunch/Breakfast

1:18:04 Space Debris environment, Dr Hélène Ma

1:42:51 Flying Through Polluted Skies, Dr Thomas Ormston

2:10:35 Space Traffic Control, Stuart Eves

2:36:53 Q&A and Discussion, Dr Robert Massey & Panel

2:55:51 15 Minute Break

2:56:10 The environmental consequences of industrializing Earth orbits, Prof Aaron C. Boley

3:22:38 Satellite light pollution: an emerging threat to global night skies, Dr John C. Barentine

3:46:11 The impact of megaconstellations on heritage and Indigenous relationships to the night sky., Jessica Heim (and Doug Sinclair and Dr Juan-Carlos Chavez who were not recorded)

3:54:43 10 Minute Break

3:55:06 The Challenge of Megaconstellations in an Environmental Context, Dr Thomas Cheney

4:19:39 Overcoming Legal Challenges to a Sustainable Space Future, Charles L. Mudd Jr.

4:44:56 Q&A and Discussion, Dr Robert Massey & Panel

5:12:24 Close of Day, Dr Paul A. Daniels

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by Jason Rainbow — May 2, 2022

TAMPA, Fla. — Evidence is mounting of a need to perform an environmental review before approving SpaceX’s plans to add nearly 30,000 satellites to its Starlink constellation, satellite broadband competitor Viasat told the FCC May 2. 

SpaceX shouldn’t be allowed to greatly expand its Starlink network while light pollution issues surrounding its deployed satellites remain unresolved, Jarrett Taubman, Viasat vice president and deputy chief of government affairs, said in a letter to the regulator.

While calls for a thorough environmental review that Viasat made for Starlink’s current generation of satellites in December 2020 were largely rejected, Taubman said SpaceX’s plan to grow the constellation by seven times “would have significant aesthetic, scientific, social and cultural, and health effects on the human environment on Earth.”

SpaceX has already deployed more than half of the 4,408 first-generation Starlink satellites the FCC has approved to operate at altitudes of around 550 kilometers. The company is seeking FCC permission for a larger constellation of second-generation Starlinks that it proposes to operate at lower altitudes — between 340 and 614 kilometers — in order to improve performance.

Viasat and astronomers say operating significantly more satellites even closer to the Earth would exacerbate Starlink’s light pollution.

Read more at: https://spacenews.com/mounting-evidence-shows-need-for-starlink-gen-2-environmental-review-says-viasat/

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Whitening the Sky: light pollution as a form of cultural genocide
Duane W. Hamacher 1, Krystal De Napoli 2, and Bon Mott 3
1 ASTRO-3D Centre of Excellence, School of Physics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia. 2 School of Physics & Astronomy, Monash University, Clayton VIC, 3080, Australia
3 Faculty of Fine Arts & Music, University of Melbourne, Southbank, VIC, 3006, Australia

Abstract: Light pollution is actively destroying our ability to see the stars. Many Indigenous traditions
and knowledge systems around the world are based on the stars, and the peoples’ ability to observe
and interpret stellar positions and properties is of critical importance for daily life and cultural
continuity. The erasure of the night sky acts to erase Indigenous connection to the stars, acting as a
form of ongoing cultural and ecological genocide. Efforts to reduce, minimise, or eliminate light
pollution are being achieved with varying degrees of success, but urban expansion, poor lighting
design, and the increased use of blue-light emitting LEDs as a cost-effective solution is worsening
problems related to human health, wildlife, and astronomical heritage for the benefit of capitalistic
economic growth. We provide a brief overview of the issue, illustrating some of the important
connections that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia maintain with the stars,
as well as the impact growing light pollution has on this ancient knowledge. We propose a
transdisciplinary approach to solving these issues, using a foundation based on Indigenous
philosophies and decolonising methodologies.

https://arxiv.org/abs/2001.11527

https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/2001/2001.11527.pdf

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