Light Pollution and Public Health

Medical research has shown that as humans, our environment directly affects our health and well being. Recently, additional studies have linked Light Pollution to a variety of health issues.  Consider the following excerpts and summaries from some of the preeminent medical researchers regarding their finding on this subject.

Air Pollution Linked to Deaths From Lung Cancer a study by the American Cancer Society

Research indicates that: "There's an excess risk of both lung cancer and cardiopulmonary disease associated with increased exposure to fine particles [in air pollution]," and "every reduction in air pollution will likely lower death rates"

Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Vol. 93, No. 20, 1557-1562, October 17, 2001
Night Shift Work, Light at Night, and Risk of Breast Cancer

In this article, researchers found that "Exposure to light at night may increase the risk of breast  cancer by suppressing the normal nocturnal production of melatonin...." They went on to state that "There was an indication of increased risk among subjects with the brightest bedrooms." And then concluded that "The results of this study provide evidence that indicators of exposure to light at night may be associated with the risk of developing breast cancer."

The Journal of Neuroscience, August 15, 2001, 21(16):6405-6412
Action Spectrum for Melatonin Regulation in Humans: Evidence for a Novel Circadian Photoreceptor

Did you know that sleeping in a room that is not totally dark suppresses melatonin production and disturbs your natural circadian rhythm? This article discusses this very connection.

Checkout the Utah Skies website at www.UtahSkies.org for some additional reasons on why preserving the night skies is so important.