The environmental and hidden human costs of letting there be light

Sir, – Following the appearance of the enormous ABERDEEN letters at the Castlegate, I would like to raise my concerns on several fronts.

There is increasing concern all over the world about the harm caused by light pollution. At a time when places like Las Vegas and other cities which glow in the dark are considering reducing their glare, I wonder if Aberdeen Inspired have considered the environmental impact of such a project?

The 98,000 LED lights carry considerable cost to the environment in terms of materials, electricity and the potential effect on local wildlife. Since we have increased the efficiency of modern lighting, we seem to think that using more of them is OK. In fact, it can have a devastating effect on a number of species, including bats, insects and birds.

The plan to bring the letters to special events around the city could also be a potential hazard to our human health.

An increasing number of people become ill when exposed to LED lights. Symptoms include searing eye pain, debilitating headaches, skin rashes, dizziness, fainting and vomiting. Light-disabled people would simply be unable to attend such events should the letters be present and the lights switched on.

At LightAware, we continue to increase awareness of this hidden disability and provide support for lightsensitive people who are often socially excluded unnecessarily.

I think anything that will rejuvenate our city centre is a good thing and people may indeed enjoy a selfie or two. But do they need the letters illuminated to do so? Fiona Thomson, LightAware, Aberdeen.

Large letters spelling out the city’s name have been installed in the centre of Aberdeen.