Missing the Dark: Health Effects of Light Pollution
2009
Health Effects of Light Pollution
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Ron Chepesiuk
Hypothesis
Does exposure to artificial light at night negatively impact human health and wildlife?
Conclusion
Light pollution is linked to various health issues in humans and adverse effects on wildlife behavior and reproduction.
Supporting Evidence
- Two-thirds of the U.S. population can no longer see the Milky Way due to light pollution.
- Light pollution can disrupt the circadian rhythms of both humans and wildlife.
- Studies suggest a link between artificial light exposure at night and increased breast cancer risk.
Takeaway
Too much artificial light at night can make it hard for people and animals to sleep and can cause health problems.
Limitations
The research on the health effects of light pollution is still developing and not all associations are fully understood.
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