The amount of artificial light humans are being exposed to is increasing at double the rate of population growth, delegates at the New Zealand Starlight Conference in Tekapo were told, reports Stuff.co.nz.
Alexander Tups, Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Brain Health Research Centre, explained melatonin not only maintains the 24 hour circadian rhythm, it is the most important antioxidant, an antiinflamatory, antihypertensive, antithrombotic and antilipidemic.
“The likely consequences of frequent circadian disruptions [are] sleep disorders, cancer, depression, dementia, obesity and diabetes,” he said.
“We need to urgently design a study that investigates the effects of LED street lighting on melatonin levels. Who is liable if the streetlight outside your house gives you cancer?”
