Light pollution and health outcomes in children and adolescents: A systematic review

An increasing body of evidence suggests a relevant association between artificial light at night (ALAN) and adverse health effects. We evaluated the association between ALAN and health outcomes in children and adolescents.

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, and MEDLINE from January 1, 2020, to March 14, 2026, and included 72 observational studies from six continents, mostly conducted in Asia. The OHAT and GRADE assessed study quality and outcome certainty; meta-analysis was not performed due to high heterogeneity. ALAN exposure was measured by satellite imagery, actigraphy, illuminance meters, and questionnaires.

There is a strong positive correlation between light pollution and adverse health outcomes. Seven categories were identified: sleep problems, adverse birth outcomes, physical and mental health disorders, increased risk of overweight or obesity, affected vision, and elevated cardiometabolic risks. Specifically, each interquartile range increase in annual outdoor ALAN was associated with 3% higher odds of preterm birth (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.04). Per 10 nW/cm²/sr increment in ALAN exposure, BMI z score increased by 34.0% (95% CI: 25.4%, 42.6%).

These findings underscore the need to consider ALAN as a potential environmental risk factor in urban planning and public health strategies to protecting pediatric health.