Re:Shortsightedness has become an epidemic
by InvaderFizz on Sunday June 12, 2022 @12:02PM
(#31715519)
I'm not sure there are any known benefits that outweigh the costs of UV exposure.
That said, there is emerging research that the lack of NIR light is very detrimental to all kinds of health conditions[0].
Over the past two years, I've moved to ensuring that I get plenty of indirect sunlight. As NIR can go through most clothing and foliage produced shade, it's quite pleasant and relaxing to spend time in it.
I also have large concerns with the move to thermal insulation efficiency that we now have. Indoor Air and quite easily become stagnant due to lack of outdoor exchange and the the low-emissivity glass used in high end windows block most NIR. Couple that with a lack of NIR emitters (incandescent is gone, camp fires are gone), and I think we are in for a world of hurt, even more so than today.
Indoor Air quality can be mostly solved with use of ERVs to cycle the air with minimal energy loss.
I'm not sure how you solve for low-emissivity glass other than not using it and designing your structure to limit direct sunlight exposure for the window itself and use shade/curtains/blinds for thermal control when needed.
That said, there is emerging research that the lack of NIR light is very detrimental to all kinds of health conditions[0].
Over the past two years, I've moved to ensuring that I get plenty of indirect sunlight. As NIR can go through most clothing and foliage produced shade, it's quite pleasant and relaxing to spend time in it.
I also have large concerns with the move to thermal insulation efficiency that we now have. Indoor Air and quite easily become stagnant due to lack of outdoor exchange and the the low-emissivity glass used in high end windows block most NIR. Couple that with a lack of NIR emitters (incandescent is gone, camp fires are gone), and I think we are in for a world of hurt, even more so than today.
Indoor Air quality can be mostly solved with use of ERVs to cycle the air with minimal energy loss.
I'm not sure how you solve for low-emissivity glass other than not using it and designing your structure to limit direct sunlight exposure for the window itself and use shade/curtains/blinds for thermal control when needed.
0: https://doi.org/10.32794/mr11250016