Abraham Haim, Boris A. Portnov

Gebundenes Buch

Light Pollution as a New Risk Factor for Human Breast and Prostate Cancers

Beschreibung

Humans are diurnal organisms whose biological clock and temporal organization depend on natural light/dark cycles. Changes in the photoperiod are a signal for seasonal acclimatization of physiological and immune systems as well as behavioral patterns. The invention of electrical light bulbs created more opportunities for work and leisure. However, exposure to artificial light at night (LAN) affects our biological clock, and suppresses pineal melatonin (MLT) production. Among its other properties, MLT is an antioncogenic agent, and therefore its suppression increases the risks of developing breast and prostate cancers (BC&PC). To the best of our knowledge, this book is the first to address the linkage between light pollution and BC&PC in humans. It explains several state-of-the-art theories, linking light pollution with BC&PC. It also illustrates research hypotheses about health effects of light pollution using the results of animal models and population-based studies.

Produktdetails

• Verlag: Springer / Springer Netherlands
• Artikelnr. des Verlages: 86210711
• Seitenzahl: 176
• Erscheinungstermin: 12. Juni 2013
• Englisch
• Abmessung: 241mm x 160mm x 15mm
• Gewicht: 402g
• ISBN-13: 9789400762190
• ISBN-10: 9400762194
• Artikelnr.: 36885620

Rezensionen

"This novel, important, clearly written book brings together several familiar subjects whose connections had not been appreciated.  We are grateful for widespread electric lighting (a relatively new phenomenon in human history), and we fear widespread breast cancer and prostate cancer.  Many of us have also heard of biological clocks and the hormone melatonin.  The authors assemble evidence that the blessings of electric lighting are a risk factor for the curses of breast cancer and prostate cancer, mediated by effects on our biological clocks and our melatonin production.  Hence this book will interest not only scholars but also the broad public." -- Jared Diamond; Professor of Physiology, Environmental Health Sciences, and Geography at the University of California, Los Angeles

This novel, important, clearly written book brings together several familiar subjects whose connections had not been appreciated. We are grateful for widespread electric lighting (a relatively new phenomenon in human history), and we fear widespread breast cancer and prostate cancer. Many of us have also heard of biological clocks and the hormone melatonin. The authors assemble evidence that the blessings of electric lighting are a risk factor for the curses of breast cancer and prostate cancer, mediated by effects on our biological clocks and our melatonin production. Hence this book will interest not only scholars but also the broad public.

Jared Diamond
Professor of Physiology, Environmental Health Sciences, and Geography at the University of California, Los Angeles