National Anti-Junk Light Day is observed annually on September 10 and was founded in 2018 to highlight the dangers of the harmful lights we use every day. The invention of smart screens and LED lights have had underlying effects on human health that are very often overlooked.
Theoretically, longer hours of light could make humans more productive if they have increased output; however, overexposure to junk light can have detrimental effects that range from distorted sleeping patterns to eye defects. On National Anti-Junk Light Day, more people are encouraged to limit their daily usage of junk lights.
History of National Anti-Junk Light Day
Blue light is a type of ultraviolet radiation that was discovered in 1801 by the German physicist Johann Wilhelm Ritter. It was previously known as chemical rays but by the 19th century, it was formally known as ultraviolet radiation.
Despite a lack of supporting scientific evidence, blue light has been suggested as a possible cause of age-related macular degeneration. Currently, a 2019 report from France’s Agency for Food, Environmental, and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES) backs up the 2010 finding of the negative effect of blue LED light on the eye, which can result in decreased eyesight. It emphasizes the short-term impacts on the retina associated with intense exposure to blue LED light, as well as the long-term effects associated with the start of age-related macular degeneration.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, exposure to blue light at night has a greater negative impact on sleep. This report is supported by a 2016 American Medical Association article highlighting the detrimental health effects of unrestricted usage of LED light for public lighting.
According to a news release issued by the American Medical Association on June 14, 2016, there are detrimental health effects from the widespread usage of LED street lighting.
Although more research is needed to understand how much blue light from natural and artificial sources such as sunlight and digital gadgets is “too much blue light” for the retina, many eye care experts are concerned. Blue light exposure from computer screens, smartphones, and other digital gadgets may raise a person’s risk of developing macular degeneration later in life. As a result, guarding your eyes against excessive blue light is a safer habit.
National Anti-Junk Light Day timeline
Ultraviolet rays are discovered in Germany.
The sterilizing effect of blue light is discovered.
Ultraviolet radiation with wavelengths lower than 200 nanometers (nm) is discovered.
These gas-discharge lamps where ultraviolet radiation is generated by spontaneous emission are developed for scientific operations.
National Anti-Junk Light Day FAQs
How harmful is blue light?
Most of us spend a significant amount of time looking at screens. And this can be harmful to our vision. Blurry vision, eyestrain, dry eye, macular degeneration, and cataracts have all been related to blue light from electronics.
What does blue light do to your brain?
Exposure to blue light close to bedtime can alter the sleep/wake cycle (circadian rhythm), as well as influence hormone secretion, nerve signaling (neurotransmission), and the brain’s ability to adapt (plasticity) to new settings. Excessive blue light can disrupt sleep and induce mood swings, eventually leading to melancholy and depression.
What color light is best for sleep?
Warm light is better for sleeping since the eyes are less sensitive to longer wavelengths. Yellow or red light bulbs are ideal for bedroom lamps. Blue light, on the other hand, is the most detrimental to one’s ability to sleep.
How to Observe National Anti-Junk Light Day
Reduce junk light usage
Pledge to reduce your light pollution by turning off unnecessary lights and using lower-wattage bulbs where possible. Avoid using very bright screens in lowly lit rooms and limit the amount of blue light that enters your eye regularly.
Spread useful information
Educate others about the importance of reducing light pollution and how they can do their part to help. Engage in discussions around light and share useful tips on the best light usage practices.
Raise junk light awareness
Advocate for better lighting ordinances and practices at the local level to help reduce light pollution in your community. Explain the long-term effects that excess blue light exposure can have on the eyes as we get older.
5 Illuminating Facts About Lasers Everyone Should See
Lasers can make things cold
While lasers are used to heat up atoms, they can also be used to cool atoms down to incredibly low temperatures.
Light can be used to weigh stars
Scientists discovered that by measuring shifts in the approximate position from the actual position of a star using light waves, it is possible to measure the mass of the star.
Lasers can detect malaria
Because malaria affects red blood cells, and laser beams interact with red blood cells, medical professionals can diagnose malaria infections within 30 minutes with a high degree of accuracy.
Air bubbles turn sound into light
Creating ultrasonic sound waves in a pool of water creates air bubbles that are capable of emitting tiny bursts of light.
Lasers can be made from air
Recent studies have discovered that hitting broken-up air molecules with ultraviolet rays can cause the atoms to give off laser-like light.
Why National Anti-Junk Light Day is Important
It’s an opportunity to educate others
It's a great way to raise awareness about the dangers of junk light. As people absorb light rays into their eyes from different types of screens daily, it’s important to be aware of the amount of light that your eyes need to stay healthy.
It’s a reminder to live healthy
It's a fun way to get people excited about making healthy choices. Learning about the dangers of light pollution can inspire discussions about reducing other kinds of pollution. These lifestyle modifications ensure we enjoy a healthier, longer life.
It encourages people to adopt better lifestyles
It's a great way to show your support for healthy living and inspire others to be more deliberate about lifestyle choices. Reducing pollution also protects the environment from unhealthy toxins which could eventually pose a threat to human life.
National Anti-Junk Light Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September 10 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | September 10 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | September 10 | Thursday |
| 2027 | September 10 | Friday |
| 2028 | September 10 | Sunday |
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