Reducing nighttime light exposure in the urban environment to benefit human health and society

• 成果类型: Review
• 署名作者: Zielinska-Dabkowska, K. M.; Schernhammer, E. S.; Hanifin, J. P.; Brainard, G. C.
• 署名单位: Fahrenheit Universities; Gdansk University of Technology; Medical University of Vienna; Harvard University; Harvard University Medical Affiliates; Brigham & Women's Hospital; Harvard University; Harvard Medical School; Harvard University; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; Thomas Jefferson University
• 刊物名称: SCIENCE
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0036-13719
• DOI: 10.1126/science.adg5277
• 发表日期: 2023-06-16
• 页码: 1130-1135
• 关键词: shift work; pollution; RISK; CONSEQUENCES; melatonin; cancer

摘要

Nocturnal light pollution can have profound effects on humans and other organisms. Recent research indicates that nighttime outdoor lighting is increasing rapidly. Evidence from controlled laboratory studies demonstrates that nocturnal light exposure can strain the visual system, disrupt circadian physiology, suppress melatonin secretion, and impair sleep. There is a growing body of work pointing to adverse effects of outdoor lighting on human health, including the risk of chronic diseases, but this knowledge is in a more nascent stage. In this Review, we synthesize recent research on the context-specific factors and physiology relevant to nocturnal light exposure in relation to human health and society, identify critical areas for future research, and highlight recent policy steps and recommendations for mitigating light pollution in the urban environment.