Negative Effects of Pennsylvania Systems & Fluorescent Lighting

The Pennsylvania system is a method of reforming prisoners through solitary confinement. Fluorescent lighting is the common form of lighting used within most prisons. Using fluorescent lighting within a Pennsylvania system type of prison is known to have adverse effects on inmates. There are four negative effects that can stem from these systems.

Depression

• Depression and feelings of hopelessness are perhaps the most common effects of Pennsylvania systems and fluorescent lighting. The prolonged isolation combined with unnatural lighting for most of the day is a breeding ground for depression. This inevitably throws off the circadian rhythm of prisoners and deprives their bodies of the essential vitamins that come from natural sunlight. As a result, many prisoners develop long term mental illnesses and some attempt suicide.

Skin Cancer

• All human beings need at least a minimal level of sunlight to stay healthy. When natural sunlight is replaced with perpetual fluorescent light, skin cancer is often a result. This is because unnatural carcinogens are emitted through fluorescent lighting. Over time, this can do significant damage to the skin and often causes skin cancer.

Headaches

• Headaches are another consequence of these two systems used in unison. The light flicker from fluorescent lighting combined with noisy prison environments can easily result in headaches. Over a length of time, headaches can also worsen into migraines.

Sleep Disorders

• Difficulties sleeping and insomnia are additional negative effects. Humans are naturally wired to have a period of light during the day and period of darkness at night. Interfering with these natural cycles is a breeding ground for sleep disorders. That's why Pennsylvania systems and fluorescent lighting can easily create long term sleep problems.