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Light/ Electrosmog
Electromagnetic fields from natural and from artificial sources are omnipresent in our environment.
At all times they occur in nature as byproducts of electric processes.
Mankind has amplified the spectrum of these fields ever since owing to technical progress. Artificial fields occur especially in the vicinity of electric energy transfer and usage and are of manifold usage, such as for e.g., radio communication services. The large variety of electromagnetic fields that affect our environment are often entitled "electrosmog" (electromagnetic pollution).
Different to e.g. high-energy x-rays electromagnetic fields belong to the non-ionizing rays. Acute health effects by heat development can only be caused by very strong fields, which are not common in our everyday life. In Germany legal limit values are set as a protection and precaution measure against this kind of peril. These limit values must be observed in the vicinity of relevant constructions, such as e.g., high-voltage lines or transmitters.
The light that we perceive with our eyes is also of electromagnetic origin and is therefore treated in the same context.
Present society employs a large variety of artificial light sources. They allow mankind a safe and comfortable lifestyle also at night. On the other hand the light emitted by such a variety of light sources causes also an environmental load by "light pollution". The result is a significant reduction of the natural visibility of the sky.
Guideline values protect humans in their private spheres from bothering light emissions. These guideline values must be complied with by commercial installations, such as e.g., illuminated advertisement or floodlights. Furthermore advice for the protection of the fauna against light emissions has to be followed.
In NRW the environment agencies monitor the immissions of relevant installations.
North Rhine-Westphalia State Environment Agency 2006
