In the hopes to defeat the Covid-19 pandemic governments all over the world are prioritizing the supply of medical supplies, protective equipment, food essentials, and pharmaceuticals. Next to such are the other important sectors. However, one serious risk is being overlooked and taken for granted- it is the role of light.
Artificial lights are very important in today’s time of crisis. With lights, we can get doing all the basic things we need to do. Most of all, functional lights play an important role in keeping test facilities, hospitals, highways, supermarkets, and distribution centers running both day and night.
The Role of Lighting in Today’s Crisis
Front Line
It is not only the visual property of lights that is making a huge difference today. Although not everyone realizes it, bit UV radiation plays a key role in disinfecting hospitals. Also, it utilized disinfecting police stations, factories, schools, offices, and post offices. For example, a UV-C radiation that comes with a wavelength of 254nm can break down the DNA of mold, bacteria, and viruses. It can even purify water and air.
Here are more ways on how lighting improves the quality of life, while adding essential value during this difficult time in our lives today.
Health at Home
With an overwhelming number of individuals who are now staying in their homes, the importance of light for their well-being and that of their family should never be underestimated. In fact, even before this crisis came to exist, almost 90% of our time was being spent inside with not enough daylight. Indeed, light is very essential to everyone’s health and well-being as it helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle.
In addition, it could help with people’s daily routine. A bright and functional light can keep us energized and enhance our concentration levels. On the other hand, warm light can help create a cozy atmosphere that helps unwind at night. Simply put, having the right type of light would make us feel, see, and function much better.
Food Security
There is one more unsung application of light and it is in food production. With artificial lights, it is possible to grow crops in many countries, thus reducing the distance and lessening the dependence on imports that could be carbon-hungry. Such is changing the way people farm. In today’s time, when the supply chains are tested, food security is most important.
Keeping the Streets Safe and Secure
The majority of pedestrians and drivers recognize the requirement for a well-lighted street. A good quality lighting for the streets can help reduce accidents and injuries by up to 30%. In addition, a well-lit street is also safer. Police officers can tell that proper lights can help prevent crime.
Light has so many benefits, although we do not realize all of them. But one thing is for sure, our lives have become so much better because of light. And during this trying time, we can just all be thankful that lights are available to help us in many ways.