Sustainable Lighting Policies: The Contribution of Advertisement and Decorative Lighting to Local Light Pollution in Seoul, South Korea

Abstract

We carried out field measurements to determine the contribution of advertisement and decorative lighting to local light pollution in Seoul. We used the lighting limits set by the “Light Pollution Prevention Act”, which regulates light pollution, as measuring criteria. Our results show that both advertisement and decorative lighting are significant contributors to local light pollution in Seoul. Thirty percent of advertisement lighting measured in our study areas exceeded the legal limits. Moreover, we found that certain types of advertisement lighting are more likely to cause light pollution than the others. In addition, 73% of the decorative lighting found in our sample areas exceeded the legal limits. Based on our findings, we suggest that local light pollution policies establish a curfew time when all advertisement and decorative lighting must be completely turned off. Such an approach is essential in reducing lighting levels in outdoor environments. Furthermore, it lessens the burden on law enforcement personnel, who otherwise must ensure that advertisement and decorative lighting levels are kept within the legal limits. In light of the ongoing debate over the role of lighting in public well-being and the sustainability of cities, the present study provides a discussion on the status and management policy of light pollution caused by advertisement and decorative lighting.

A Comparative Study on Current Outdoor Lighting Policies in China and Korea: A Step toward a Sustainable Nighttime Environment

“…For example, as discussed by Martin-Taylor [13], the United Kingdom has extended the previously existing law on air pollution to include light pollution. Many Italian regions have employed individual ordinances to prevent or reduce specific light-related issues prevalent in given regions [14]. There is a variety of factors that influence the type of light pollution laws employed by a country or region.…”

“…For instance, bolt-on laws are likely to be less expensive than stand-alone laws adopted for the specific issue of light pollution [12]. In addition, ordinances are likely to provide better solutions in countries with cities or regions that experience diverse forms of light pollution [14]. China and Korea are among the countries that recently established light pollution preventive measures through city ordinances.…”

White LED Light Exposure Inhibits the Development and Xanthophore Pigmentation of Zebrafish Embryo

“…Artificial lighting has become an important component of urban life. On the other hand, artificial light exposure has complicated the management of the biologic metabolic processes synchronously 1–4 .…”

“…On the other hand, LEDs emit a wavelength of light which is related with detrimental effects on human health 12 . Accordingly, in recent years, it has been recognized that artificial lighting has health implications 4 . Artificial light exposure has been related to diabetes, different types of cancer and depression.…”

“…Artificial light exposure has been related to diabetes, different types of cancer and depression. Recent studies have shown that artificial light exposure affects cell differentiation, growth, and development and cause cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, neurological diseases due to changes in the endocrine system as well as different types of cancer 4,13–20 .…”