Incandescent by Anna Levin, The Quays, Salford: Saraband, 2019, ISBN 978-1-91223-531-5, softbound, $17.95, US
This book came as a result of the author suddenly unable to live in a world containing CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) and LEDs (light emitting diodes). Her headaches resulting from these newfound light bulbs caused her to remain in her home, as the proliferation of these new forms of lighting seemed to be everywhere. This created such a change in her lifestyle that she had to learn as much as she could as to why incandescent light was suddenly being cast aside. Her main result: The environment. Apparently, they created too little light and too much heat. In addition, the discovery that sodium streetlights were also being discarded for the new lights was too much for her to bear.
This brought the author to discovering more persons who had the same symptoms as she did, to the point that several had to leave their jobs as the new lighting infiltrated their workspaces. She then was able to find scientists willing to speak with her, in order to understand why these bulbs, a part of life for so long, suddenly became such a problem, when their softer glows created better evening ambiance, both indoors and out, especially as the new ones contain what is often considered a harmful element.
Another obstacle, she learned, was cost: These new forms of lighting cost less to operate, and claimed to last longer. It is said the light from LEDs could be dimmed from the very powerful cast most installers set them, but, once up, they just seemed to be as bright as possible, causing the author and others to definitely remain at home as much as possible.
In speaking with professionals, Levin also learned that humans aren’t the only creatures that can have a reaction to this form of light, if only because of the over brightness it is normally programmed to be. Her reaction is that this type of light is “damaging our planet,” causing irreparable harm to night living animals and flora, resulting in a potentially vast change in our natural world. Everyone should follow Levin in her search for answers as to the future of light on our planet.
From just becoming ill as a result of the “new” lighting technology, to finding a better understanding of the overall workings of nature, the author has given us a book that any person concerned with the future of our planet should read.
