The dark side isn’t so bad after all.

Posted by Heather Hamlin at Feb 23, 2009 07:30 AM |

The Washington Post delivers a solid review of an interesting research study examining the link between artificial light exposure and prostate cancer.

A February 17 article in the Washington Post tells readers about a research study that found that people living in countries with the highest light emissions at night (as viewed by space satellite) tend to have the highest rates of prostate cancer.

Reporter Rob Stein deftly interprets the science and explains how artificial light can interfere with the production of melatonin, an important hormone that regulates wake/sleep cycles. This disruption might be the culprit for the increased risk of prostate cancer.

Although the research finds a solid association linking the two, Mr. Stein did a great job tempering the results by repeatedly mentioning that association is not causation and other factors could be involved.
 
The story might have been strengthened by adding that people who live in countries with more light emissions are also more likely to be exposed to a suite of chemicals that go hand in hand with living in more developed landscapes. 
 
The article was non-alarmist in tone, yet called attention to an environmental health area in need of further investigation. The article even mentions ways that people can take steps to avoid artificial light exposure, which reminds readers they have some control over the exposures they experience.