ABSTRACT
Light pollution raises important regulatory issues based on risks to human health and risks of ecological and environmental harm. Artificial lighting may harm safety either through disability glare or distraction. The biggest arguments used against the regulation of artificial light at night are security and safety. The "human health" limb may cover cases where lighting causes loss of sleep by shining into bedroom windows. The approaches in France, Italy and Slovenia are more effective models than that of the UK for regulating an environmental problem such as light pollution. the CoE has recommended that nations be invited to review their legislation with respect to light pollution, and to consider whether pan-European measures are necessary. Regulation can only be effective when it is based on a full understanding of the problem, and this calls for effective research and education, as is recommended by the CoE initiative.
