Abstract
The introduction of artificial lighting has dramatically transformed nighttime activities, becoming a very positive but also disruptive factor that must be optimized and adapted according to the guidelines of sustainable policies. In this framework, night markets in Thailand are definitely popular destinations among locals and tourists that are found in every town and city in the whole country, being the source of livelihoods for many people. It is well-known that shops in night markets frequently use colorful light sources, emitting high levels of illumination to attract customers. Since previous research has shown environmental risks of inappropriate lighting on human health and well-being, as well as on ecosystems, excessive lighting in night markets could have adverse effects on vendors’ health if they are exposed to high illumination levels during long hours every night. This is a risk for people, but also for their attachment to their lands, traditions, culture, and way of life. This study was designed to explore whether excessive illumination of night markets has impacts on vendors’ health and well-being. The research was conducted through an empirical study in a night market in the center of Surin province (Thailand), using observations and a questionnaire survey of 205 vendors and clients (non-vendors). The results show that night markets’ vendors were more likely to suffer from eye- and sleep-related problems than non-vendors. Women were affected more than men. The results also revealed that the majority of both vendors and non-vendors tended to have awareness about excessive lighting impacts on human health, with more vendors tending to agree with the fact than non-vendors. Although night markets’ are their main source of income, the majority of vendors were more unlikely to agree about the contribution of night markets to local livelihoods and development than non-vendors. These findings have implications for the Thai Authority in setting up appropriate lighting policies and regulations for night markets. The target is not only energy savings, but also to protect the public’s health, culture, and traditional livelihoods, in a way that supports sustainable development.
Highlights
Nowadays, there is wide agreement that many of the most dramatic problems of humankind directly deal with sustainable development
The methodology was based on a field survey in one typical night market in Surin province (Thailand)
Given the importance of night markets as a source of complementary income and even as unique livelihood, and their critical role in maintaining the traditional economy in many urban and rural environments around Asia, the health and well-being of both vendors and visitors is a key factor to achieving sustainable development in such a quickly growing zone like Southeast Asia and, in general, in the whole continent
Summary
There is wide agreement that many of the most dramatic problems of humankind directly deal with sustainable development. Appropriate lighting has proven to be a transversal factor of sustainable development, with a high importance in human activities, granting safety, well-being, efficacy, profitability, and a healthy environment. The primary target of lighting should be to grant the safety of people and their goods [1], its impact on other activities, like commerce, leisure, or both, is essential for personal well-being, as well as economic and social development. In spite of this positive influence on human life, the impact of night lighting, from other perspectives, has negative aspects. The massive introduction of LED lighting has resulted in a lower consumption per luminary, the continuous growth of cities and population makes lighting a main challenge for sustainable development
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
