Science and Technology Committee
The neglected pollutants: the effects of artificial light and noise on human health
2nd Report of Session 2022-23 - published 19 July 2023 - HL Paper 232
Contents
Chapter 2: Scientific evidence of health effects
Figure 1: Schematic of light and noise pollution impacts on health and wellbeing
Evidence for the health impacts of noise
Sleep and circadian rhythm disruption
An independent advisory panel for noise
Evidence for the health impacts of artificial light at night
Table 2: Common light scenarios and their measurements in lux
Other health effects from artificial light
Mapping light pollution and human exposure to artificial light at night
Expert advisory group on circadian rhythms and light
Issues affecting noise and light
Possible beneficial effects of light and noise on human health
Chapter 3: Public policy implications
Box 1: Mapping and burden-of-disease calculations for noise pollution
Interventions to reduce noise pollution
A national statement of light pollution policy
Promoting good lighting practice
Light pollution as a statutory nuisance
Issues affecting noise and light
Implications of net-zero policy
Cross-departmental co-ordination
Co-ordination with local authorities
Summary of conclusions and recommendations
Appendix 1: List of Members and declarations of interest
Appendix 4: Seminar held at the House of Lords on 28 June 2022
Appendix 5: Private meeting held at the House of Lords on 21 February 2023
Appendix 6: Committee visit to ARUP’s SoundLab on 3 May 2023