It was saddening to read about the dangers that animals endure due to light pollution. With the UN climate change summit in Paris, people are more aware of this already present issue. However, focuses of the talks have centered around carbon emissions and coal. Society needs to shine “light” on other forms of pollution as well. Light and noise pollution has been severely underrated. Light disrupts migratory habits of birds, breeding cycles, and even habitats. Animals, insects, plants, and even humans are greatly affected by artificial nighttime light.
It would interesting to read more on the health risks based on the circadian clock. Although we do not realize the importance of this day and night cycle, it affects our brain wave patterns, hormone production, and cell regulation. I was surprised to discover that cell regulation could be affected by a disrupted circadian clock. There has also been studies relating medical disorders, such as depression, insomnia, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, to any disruptions. I was not shocked to read that sleep disorders can be an effect of excessive artificial light. I find light and noise to be such a disturbance when I am trying to fall asleep, which can quickly affect my mood. Sleep is so important for the brain and body; it is a shame that people suffer from sleeping disorders due to altered sleeping patterns and circadian clock cycles.
I thought the studies on how light affects melatonin production was very interesting. Melatonin is more often produced at night without the presence of light. With this hormonal imbalance, women who lived in areas that were light at midnight had a 73% higher risk of developing breast cancer than those who faced the least outdoor artificial lighting. It definitely makes me think twice about staying up late to read or even write a blog post… just kidding.
