Light - Cancer Link Explored

Researchers are currently studying the link between light at night and certain forms of cancer. The January 2006 issue of Prevention Magazine contained an article documenting several ongoing studies that had shown strong links between bright sleeping conditions and (among other things) increased risk of breast cancer. While not specifically calling out light pollution, the studies lend strong support to the cries of light pollution prevention activists who have long advocated that outdoor lights shine where they’re needed and not up nor into people’s bedroom windows. The editorial director of Prevention, Rosemary Ellis, was interviewed on the Today Show where she explained the study’s findings and suggested that people who have street lights shining into their bedrooms ought to take measures to darken their rooms. While that might work, we feel that a more appropriate solution has responsible parties replacing the poorly aimed street lights with night sky friendly fixtures that put the light on the ground only. Click here for more information on the effects of light pollution on human health.