Biological Implications of Artificial Illumination.

Autor/in	Wurtman, Richard J.
Titel	Biological Implications of Artificial Illumination.
Quelle	63 (1968) 10, S.523-529 (1 Seiten)Verfügbarkeit
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; Monographie
Schlagwörter	Biological Influences; Design; Environmental Influences; Human Development; Light; Lighting; Performance; Research + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Biologischer Faktor; Environmental influence; Umwelteinfluss; Licht; Beleuchtung; Achievement; Leistung; Forschung
Abstract	Environmental lighting exerts profound biologic effects on humans and other mammals, in addition to providing the visual stimulus. Light acts on the skin to stimulate the synthesis of Vitamin D. It also acts, through the eyes, to control several glands and many metabolic processes. Light, or its absence, "induces" certain biologic functions. Light also serves as the dominant timer, or synchronizer, for biologic rhythms which result from oscillations that originate within the body. Hence alterations in environmental lighting can produce marked, and sometimes pathologic changes in metabolism. Little is known about the action spectra for the endocrine effects of light, or even about the identity of the retinal photoreceptors which mediate these effects. Light acts by generating (or inhibiting) nerve impulses, which travel along specific pathways in the brain to centers concerned with the control of endocrine function. As information accumulates about the mechanisms of the biologic effects of light sources should be modified to become compatible with biologic needs. Pending the accumulation of such information, it appears reasonable to encourage the illuminating engineer to consider using natural light (or spectral facsimiles) in modern artificial environments. (RK)
Anmerkungen	Illuminating Engineering, Illuminating Engineering Society, 345 East 47 Street, New York, New York 10017
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2004/1/01