FreeLists / az-observing / [AZ-Observing] Re: Astronomy an unhealthy activity? NO! Light Pollution is Unhealthy!!

[Roger Ceragioli <rogerc@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Friends,

These findings provide an excellent argument against light pollution.  I 
have read of them before and year by year the evidence grows, and it 
comes increasingly from excellent research medical sources.

WE NEED DARKNESS AT NIGHT FOR GOOD HEALTH!

Light pollution and intrusive night lighting need to stop!  This is just 
about the best argument astronomy friends could have to scale back light 
pollution.

So rather than question whether astronomers are at risk of cancers, we 
should be trumpeting these findings to people with dusk to dawn lights 
and people who frequent convenience stores and overlit gas stations.  
Those are the people most at risk for these diseases.  And the companies 
who overlight their premises need to stop doing it!  Lawsuits could 
result (hint, hint).

Roger Ceragioli


Stan Gorodenski wrote:

>I just read this. I wonder if there is any data indicating amateur or 
>professional astronomers are more prone to breast, colon, or prostrate 
>cancer.
>Stan
>
> From the Washington Post:
>After several studies found that people who work at night appear 
>unusually prone to breast and colon cancer, researchers investigating 
>the possible explanation for this association found exposure to light at 
>night reduces levels of the hormone melatonin. Melatonin is believed to 
>protect against cancer by affecting levels of other hormones, such as 
>estrogen.
>
>"Melatonin can prevent tumor cells from growing -- it's 
>cancer-protective," said Eva S. Schernhammer of Harvard Medical School, 
>who has conducted a series of studies on volunteers in sleep 
>laboratories. "The theory is, if you are exposed to light at night, on 
>average you will produce less melatonin, increasing your cancer risk."
>
>Other researchers are exploring a possible link to other malignancies, 
>including prostate cancer.
>
>"There's absolutely no reason it should be limited to breast cancer, and 
>it wouldn't necessarily be restricted to people who work night shifts. 
>People with disrupted sleep or people who are up late at night or get up 
>frequently in the night could potentially have the same sort of effect," 
>said Scott Davis of the University of Washington.
>
>
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