“The effects we are seeing are of greatest concern to people who routinely stay in a lighted environment during times when they would prefer to be sleeping,?said Mark Rollag, Ph.D., a visiting research scientist at the University of Virginia and one of the study co-authors. “This is because melatonin concentrations are not elevated during a person’s normal waking hours.?/p>
“If the link between light exposure and cancer risk can be confirmed, it could have an immediate impact on the production and use of artificial lighting in this country,?said Richard Stevens, Ph.D., an epidemiologist with the University of Connecticut Health Center who has authored several papers on the subject. “This might include lighting with a wavelength and intensity that does not disrupt melatonin levels and internal timekeeping.?/p>
“Day workers who spend their time indoors would benefit from lighting that better mimics sunlight,?added Stevens. “Companies that employ shift workers could introduce lighting that allows the workers to see without disrupting their circadian and melatonin rhythms.?