Artificial Light Causes Social and Behavioral Damages

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A group of astronomers, physicians and light experts in Chile investigated light pollution and pathogenecity as well as the effects of light and pollutant gases in astronomy. According to the reporter of borderless physicians' website, in this investigation which was contracted in West Chile, physicians stated that carbon dioxide gas and other pollutant gases emitted throughout the air as the result of human activities such as factories and movement of automobiles along with ground floodlights not only cause problems in accurate and correct observation of stars and planets, but also they are effective in pathogenecity, social problems and change of behavior in man. Different advertisements on neon boards and artificial lights in large cities not only prevent from observing the natural and beautiful view of the sky, but also affect on body nerves and cells and especially eyes. This conference was held by European Organization for Astronomical Research in the Southern Hemisphere (ESO). George Bernard, Professor of Neurology, told Reuters, "Now we know that light affects man's biology and that the interference and intensity of lights may cause diseases. We should redesign light in our environment so that in addition to eliminating the diseases we can cause positive effect of light on our lives. These changes will result in retraction of energy consumption as well.
The astronomer, Massimo Tarengi added, "Different cultures are present in this conference. People look at the land and the sky with different views and lights. Light is very important in the man's life. Furthermore, researches have shown that exposure to artificial light during sunset to sleep time affects sleep quality and may increase the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure. In this research, scientists contracted researches on 116 people between the ages of 18 to 30. These people were exposed to light before sleeping for five days. Blood samples were taken from them within time intervals ranging from 30 to 60 minutes in order to determine the level of melatonin hormone of their bloods. Melatonin is a hormone which is discharged in man's brain at night.
The said hormone regulates sleep-wake cycle of every individual. According to researches, this factor plays a great role in regulating blood pressure and body temperature accordingly. These researches have revealed that exposure to light before to going to bed shortens required time for producing Melatonin Hormone for about 90 minutes. Moreover, if an individual is exposed to artificial lights during his sleep hours, extent of producing Melatonin Hormone shall decreased by over 50%. Exposure to artificial lights at sleep time may also raise the danger for development of kinds of cancers as well. Thus, these researches may be a warning for the employees, who work on shifts and are exposed to artificial lights at night. More researches need to be contracted in order to designate the effect of Melatonin Hormone in outbreak of various diseases. However, it would be better exposure to artificial lights after sunset be decreased as much as possible.