The popularization of light health knowledge is a long and challenging journey
In modern society, light is closely connected to our lives. From the first ray of sunlight in the morning that wakes us up, to the streetlights that illuminate our way home at night, light is everywhere. However, many people only recognize light in terms of illumination, overlooking its significant impact on our health. The popularization of light health knowledge is indeed a long and challenging journey.
We all know that sunlight, air, and water are the three essential elements for life to exist and grow. Throughout human development, these three elements have always been present. Sunlight is closely connected to air and water, as it aids in the formation of air and the creation of water, while photosynthesis remains one of nature's fundamental processes. All elements that contribute to human physical and mental health constitute a healthy life. Light has a profound impact on both our physiology and psychology. Sunlight has a rich spectrum, with each type of light having its unique health benefits. For example, red light aids in liver function, green light helps maintain balance, blue light has a calming effect, yellow light stimulates muscles, violet light suppresses pain, ultraviolet light promotes bone growth, and infrared light provides heat. Natural light also regulates the human biological clock, influencing our sleep and wake cycles. Humans have been born, evolved, grown, and thrived under the influence of sunlight, and our health has long been intrinsically connected to it.
The proper use of artificial light sources is also crucial. Appropriate illuminance and color temperature can improve work efficiency and learning outcomes, while reducing eye strain and visual damage. For example, in offices and schools, ergonomic lighting designs can help lower the incidence of myopia. Additionally, different colors of light have varying effects on human emotions. Warm-toned light creates a cozy and comfortable atmosphere, relieving stress and anxiety, while cool-toned light enhances focus and alertness.
Today, the issue of light pollution is becoming increasingly severe, causing numerous adverse effects on our health. First, excessive artificial lighting can disrupt the human biological clock. Strong light exposure at night, in particular, suppresses the secretion of melatonin, affecting sleep quality. Over time, this can lead to insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, and other issues. Secondly, light pollution can harm the eyes. Intense light and glare can cause discomfort, and prolonged exposure to such environments may lead to eye conditions such as myopia and cataracts. Additionally, light pollution can disrupt ecological balance. For example, strong lights at night interfere with the migration and reproduction of birds, insects, and other creatures, destabilizing ecosystems.
Although the importance of light for health is receiving increasing attention, we still face many light-related health issues in daily life. Over the past two years, we have renovated the lighting in classrooms of dozens of primary and secondary schools in Foshan. After the renovation, the light became softer and more eye-friendly. However, many teachers have reported that the light is not as bright as before and they are not accustomed to it, wondering if the renovation was for energy-saving purposes. In fact, this reflects a lack of awareness about the effects of light, often overlooking how light quality and intensity impact health. Originally, teachers were exposed to blue light for extended periods, which can lead to eye strain, dryness, and reduced vision. Additionally, improper lighting designs can negatively affect human health. For example, overly bright or dim lighting environments can increase eye strain, and prolonged exposure to such conditions may lead to myopia, glaucoma, and other eye diseases. Therefore, for better eye protection, the appropriate color temperature and illuminance are crucial.
On the other hand, with the continuous development of technology, the emergence of new light sources has brought new challenges to light health. For example, although LED lights offer advantages such as energy efficiency and environmental friendliness, improper use can still harm human health. The blue light component in LEDs is relatively high, and prolonged direct exposure to LED light can potentially damage the retina. The lack of red light spectrum can lead to oxygen deficiency in the sclera of the eye, contributing to the development of myopia. Additionally, some unscrupulous manufacturers, in pursuit of profit, produce and sell substandard lighting products. These products often have issues such as excessive light radiation and flicker, severely impacting people's health.
In the face of the challenges related to light health, strengthening the popularization of light health knowledge is particularly important. First, through education, we can raise awareness about the impact of light on human health, helping people understand its significance, and thus place more importance on light quality and intensity. Second, public awareness can assist people in correctly choosing and using lighting products, avoiding potential health risks from improper use. For instance, when purchasing lighting products, it's important to select those that meet national standards and pay attention to factors like color temperature and flicker. Additionally, it's crucial to choose the appropriate lighting intensity and color for different environments and needs. Finally, popularization can encourage relevant authorities and businesses to strengthen research and management in light health, promoting the development of the light health industry.
Strengthening the popularization of light health knowledge requires the joint efforts of governments, businesses, social organizations, and individuals. Governments can enhance regulation of lighting products by establishing relevant policies and regulations to protect the public's light health rights. They can also organize light health awareness campaigns, using media such as television, radio, newspapers, and the internet to spread light health knowledge to the public. Businesses can invest in the research and development of light health products, improving the quality and safety of their offerings. Social organizations can leverage their advantages by organizing light health seminars, training sessions, and other activities to raise public awareness of light health. Individuals can contribute by learning about light health, selecting and using lighting products correctly, and cultivating good eye-care habits to protect their own health and that of their families.
The light of health exists not only in nature and the sunlight but also through human scientists' understanding and application of light. Why has humanity been able to reach the pinnacle of nature? It is because of human creativity. The innovations and research in the field of light health will further propel science to new heights, meaning scientists will gain a better understanding of one of the essential elements of Earth's life source. This will provide greater support for human health, creating a brighter future and bringing people a healthier life.
In conclusion, the popularization of light health knowledge is an ongoing and essential task. We must fully recognize the significant impact light has on health, strengthen light health education, and raise public awareness of its importance. Together, we can create a healthy and comfortable lighting environment. At the same time, we must also address the issue of light pollution and take effective measures to reduce its harmful effects on health.
