American Medical Association on effects of LED street lights on human health

[Susan Adley-Warrick]

As City of Raleigh moves to install LED street lights in all neighborhoods, The new lights have become controversial in some neighborhoods.  At first I thought it was just a matter of aesthetics.

It's not just a matter of aesthetics, I'm learning.  (Although I do regret not being able to see the stars in the night sky.)  It's a matter of human health.

I hope that the recent policy statement by the American Medical Association will guide color temperature, shielding, and intensity of the devices selected.  We need artificial lighting, but to disrupt the circadian rhythm and melatonin levels can have serious health consequences.  

A substantial body of evidence has demonstrated a connection between working rotating turns or the night shift and life-shortening illnesses.  Prominent among the studies was a long-term follow-up of nurses in which night work was significantly associated with breast cancer.  Disrupted melatonin levels are being investigated as a likely mechanism for this effect.  Meanwhile, several recent studies, listed in PubMed, show evidence for the benefits of melatonin as an adjunct to treatment of certain cancers.

Please see the following link for a report on the AMA's statement on LED lighting:

http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/21/health/led-streetlights-ama/index.html?sr=fbCNN062216led-streetlights-ama1207AMStoryGalLink&linkId=25784401

Respectfully,

Sue Adley-Warrick

919-833-6240