Artificial light vs. Natural light – The break down!
Posted on March 30, 2016
The difference between artificial and natural light can be of great importance for people, such as photographers and farmers. It also has an effect on all of us, as well as animals and plants. Here is a breakdown of the differences between the two types of light.
What are the properties of natural light?
Natural light or sunlight comes in a spectrum of colours which are the visible rays. Also on the colour spectrum are shorter wavelengths, named ultraviolet rays and higher wavelengths, known as infrared rays. Both of these are not visible to us.
Everyone knows that exposure to the sunlight can help build vitamin D. However, it can also increase your metabolism, energy and boost the immune system which is all important for the body. Although, it is important to get the right balance as overexposure can cause great problems, such as skin damage and cancer and cataracts.
Plants are another great beneficiary of natural sunlight. The light helps them grow, and the darkness that follows is just as important for them to repair and rejuvenate. This light and dark effectively balances the cell activity.
What are the properties of artificial light?
Artificial light is of course man-made light, which is also essential in our daily lives. It differs to natural light as we can control it and we can monitor the quality of light. It also doesn’t have the same spectrum of colours and wavelengths, therefore it is not as beneficial for animals and plants because the light is of a poorer quality. Fluorescent lights have also been found to exacerbate some illnesses such as headaches nausea and eye strain.
In an ideal world we would all like to be exposed more to the benefits of natural light without being overexposed. However, this is not always feasible. Therefore artificial light is now an essential part of our lives. Although it does not have the same benefits as natural light, with technology enhancing rapidly, LED lighting is constantly discovering new benefits of LED lights, including enhancing the rehabilitation for sufferers of brain traumas and skin related injuries.