Introduction
Research in neurobiology and environmental psychology indicates that excessive visual stimuli in urban environments may contribute to mental fatigue, reduced attention, and increased physiological stress. Visual pollution (VP) is defined as spatial configurations that generate perceptual overload and negatively affect mental health and quality of life. Despite growing scientific evidence, VP is still framed primarily as an aesthetic rather than a public health issue. In Poland, the phenomenon remains legally undefined and institutionally marginalised.
Methods
This study applies a doctrinal legal analysis combined with a review of interdisciplinary literature on VP and its physiological impacts. Polish environmental law was examined to determine whether the statutory definition of “pollution” could encompass VP. The regulatory potential of planning instruments, including local spatial development plans, landscape resolutions, and landscape audits, was analysed. The capacity of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) procedures to address visual impacts was also evaluated.
Results
The statutory definition of pollution in Polish law is limited to “emissions” harmful to health or the environment. As VP refers to spatial configurations rather than emissions, the current framework is inapplicable. Local plans have restricted competence regarding advertising structures, landscape resolutions are optional and legally ambiguous, and landscape audits are strategic and non-binding while VP manifests locally. Neither SEA nor EIA provides established methodologies for visual impact assessment. Consequently, VP lacks measurable thresholds, monitoring mechanisms, and mitigation obligations comparable to those governing other forms of pollution.
Conclusions
The absence of a legal definition results in VP's regulatory invisibility. Recognising it as an environmental health issue is necessary to develop effective instruments to reduce spatial degradation affecting public health in Polish cities.
