Harmful Effects of Light Pollution

Light pollution has been cited as the one of the causes of physical issues in humans. Extended exposure to light can cause a disruption of the body's metabolism. This disruption can cause an increased risk of obesity, type II diabetes, and heart disease. Oxidative stress, which is when the body cannot "readily detoxify" cells, is another result of light pollution that negatively affects the immune system and increases the risk of cancer. (Navara and Nelson 217).  A study entitled "Night Shift Work, Light at Night and Risk of Breast Cancer" by Scott Davis, Dana K. Mirick, and Richard G. Stevens supported the theory that extended exposure to light is directly connected to an increased risk of breast cancer. In the study, Davis, Mirick,and Stevens observed that women who were unaware of light while sleeping were less likely to be diagnosed with cancer and that women who worked the graveyard shift and were exposed to light pollution were more likely to be diagnosed with cancer.

  The chart shows the effects of light pollution to health. (Navara and Nelson 216)

Wildlife is also negatively affected by light pollution. Light trespass is especially harmful to animals. This light pollution can disrupt the cycles of nocturnal animals and negatively affect cell function, brain activity, mating, and migratory behavior (IDA Practical Guide 2).