Resolution of the American Medical Association

I was very pleased to learn that, at its June 2009 meeting, the American Medical Association adopted a resolution intended to increase public awareness of the health issues attending irresponsible lighting. I'll provide an abridged version of this resolution 516 (A-09) here:

Whereas it has been calculated that over 10 billion dollars in wasted energy could be saved with the use of full cutoff street-
lights; and

Whereas, Emitted glare light is wasted light and accounts for about 40% of the light emitted by standard streetlights (cobras),it is therefore a significant source of wasted electricity, and this contributes to excess carbon dioxide production and possibly global warming; and ...

Whereas, Light pollution control legislation is being proposed in Congress, and

Whereas, Streetlight glare causes decreased nighttime visibility by pupil constriction, and thus leads to diminished nighttime
visibility and creates a safety hazard; and

Whereas, Many older citizens are significantly affected by glare as the eye ages, leading to unsafe driving conditions; and ...

Whereas, Light trespass has been implicated in disruption of the human and animal circadian rhythm, and strongly suspected as an etiology of suppressed melatonin production, depressed immune systems, and increase in cancer rates such as breast cancer; and


Whereas, Light trespass disrupts nocturnal animal activity and results in diminished various animal populations’ survival and health; and ...

Be it resolved, That our American Medical Association advocate that all future outdoor lighting be of energy efficient designs to reduce waste of energy and production of greenhouse gasses that result from this wasted energy use (New HOD Policy); and be it further

Resolved, That our AMA support light pollution reduction efforts and glare reduction efforts at both the national and state levels (New HOD Policy); and be it further


Resolved, That our AMA support efforts to ensure all future streetlights be of a fully shielded design or similar non-glare design to improve the safety of our roadways for all, but especially vision impaired and older drivers. (New HOD Policy)

The complete text of this resolution can be found at http://www.eficienciaenergetica.gub.uy/con_luminica/American%20Medical%20Association%20-%20Resolution%20516.pdf