Light At Night: Will It Kill Us?

摘要

Discussions related to light and health applications are becoming much more common in the lighting community. In trying to be helpful some are giving recommendations about healthy lighting. Unfortunately, in some cases, these good intentions are not grounded on research findings. In particular, I am surprised at the rush to judgment about light at night (LAN) creating a health risk, leading to recommendations to use red nightlights or to replace blinds with blackout shades. Simply, it is irresponsible to make these recommendations. No one knows for sure if there are any adverse effects of ambient levels of LAN on the circadian system in the general population. Rather, there is more evidence to suggest that common, ambient levels of LAN are not harmful.