Searched over 200M research papers
10 papers analyzed
These studies suggest that light pollution disrupts circadian rhythms, negatively impacts behavior, health, and ecological interactions in both nocturnal wildlife and humans.
20 papers analyzed
Light pollution, defined as the excessive or misdirected artificial light at night (ALAN), has become a significant environmental issue. It affects both nocturnal wildlife and human health by disrupting natural circadian rhythms and behaviors. This synthesis examines the impact of light pollution on nocturnal wildlife and human health based on recent research findings.
Disruption of Circadian Rhythms and Behavior:
Impact on Reproduction and Predator-Prey Interactions:
Physiological and Health Consequences:
Light pollution significantly impacts both nocturnal wildlife and human health by disrupting natural circadian rhythms and behaviors. For wildlife, this includes altered activity patterns, reproductive behaviors, and predator-prey interactions, with potential long-term consequences for population dynamics and ecosystem health. For humans, the disruption of circadian rhythms due to artificial light exposure is linked to various health issues, including metabolic disorders and increased cancer risk. Addressing light pollution through better lighting practices and policies is crucial for mitigating these adverse effects.
Most relevant research papers on this topic