Greta Jimenez
Noise pollution, caused by everything from traffic noise to rock concerts, is a serious environmental threat to human health. It is an invisible danger that can lead to several physical and mental health issues. The impact of noise pollution on human health is often underestimated and underreported, but it can cause hearing loss, stress, high blood pressure, sleep disruption, and more. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), noise becomes harmful when it exceeds 75 decibels (dB) and feels painful above 120 dB. With the constant build-up of noise in our environment, it is important to understand the negative consequences on our health and well-being.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of premature deaths in Europe | 16,600-12,000 |
| Number of hospitalisations in Europe | 72,000 |
| Number of new cases of heart disease in Europe | 48,000 |
| Number of people with permanent hearing loss in the US | 10 million |
| Number of people in the EU living in areas with harmful noise levels | 20% |
| Maximum safe noise level according to the World Health Organisation | 75 dB |
| Pain threshold for noise | 120 dB |
| Noise level of a car horn | 90 dB |
| Noise level of a bus | 100 dB |
| Noise level of an aircraft | 130 dB |
| Noise level of a pneumatic drill | 110 dB |
| Noise level of a dog barking | 60-80 dB |
| Noise level at which hearing loss can occur | 85 dB |
| Noise level at which hearing loss is likely | 105 dB |
| Number of healthy years lost globally due to noise pollution | 1 million |
What You'll Learn
Hearing loss
Noise pollution is a serious issue that can have detrimental effects on human health. One of the most significant impacts is hearing loss, which can occur at any age and have severe consequences.
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) occurs when the sensitive structures within the inner ear are damaged by loud sounds. This can happen due to a one-time exposure to an intense "impulse" sound, such as an explosion, or through continuous exposure to loud sounds over an extended period. NIHL can affect one or both ears and can be temporary or permanent. It is often gradual, with the effects becoming noticeable over time.
The impact of noise pollution on hearing health is a growing concern, particularly in bustling cities. The constant roar of traffic, construction, and other urban noises can expose individuals to harmful noise levels on a daily basis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), noise becomes harmful when it exceeds 75 decibels (dB) and can cause pain at levels above 120 dB. For reference, a car horn produces 90 dB, a bus produces 100 dB, and a pneumatic drill used in construction produces 110 dB.
To put this into perspective, research has shown that exposure to noise levels above 85 dB can lead to hearing loss. This is equivalent to the noise level of city traffic. Recreational activities such as target shooting, snowmobile riding, and attending loud concerts can also put individuals at risk for NIHL. Even at home, individuals may be exposed to harmful noise levels from sources such as lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and woodworking tools.
The effects of NIHL can be devastating, ranging from a constant ringing or buzzing sound in the ears (tinnitus) to difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), approximately 15% of Americans aged 20-69 have high-frequency hearing loss due to exposure to loud noises at work or during leisure activities.
Protective measures are crucial to preventing NIHL. This includes the use of earplugs or ear protection in noisy environments, keeping personal device volumes at safe levels, and taking quiet breaks. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the early signs of hearing loss and seek timely help from audiologists to prevent further damage.
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Cardiovascular disease
Noise pollution has been identified as a cardiovascular risk factor. Transportation noise, in particular, has been shown to increase the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. For example, people who live near airports have been found to be at a higher risk of cardiovascular disorders. A study conducted in London found an increased risk of stroke and coronary heart disease in people exposed to aircraft noise. Similarly, another study found that long-term exposure to traffic noise is associated with a greater risk of heart disease. Every 5-decibel increase in the average 24-hour noise level was associated with a 34% increase in heart attacks, strokes, and other serious heart-related problems.
The mechanisms by which noise pollution affects cardiovascular health are still being investigated. However, it is known that noise causes annoyance and disturbs sleep, impairs cognitive performance, and increases stress hormone levels and oxidative stress. These factors can promote vascular dysfunction, inflammation, and hypertension, thereby increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
In addition, noise pollution can cause chronic stress, which is linked to inflammation in the blood vessels, a trigger for cardiovascular problems. Higher levels of noise exposure have been associated with increased activity in the amygdala, the area of the brain involved in processing stress, anxiety, and fear.
The effects of noise pollution on cardiovascular health are complex and can be challenging to untangle from other environmental factors, such as air pollution. However, the evidence suggests that noise pollution is a significant contributor to cardiovascular disease and should be considered a risk factor.
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Sleep disturbances
The impact of nocturnal environmental noise can be felt the following day, with people experiencing daytime sleepiness, tiredness, annoyance, mood changes, decreased well-being, and impaired cognitive performance. These short-term effects may also have long-term health implications, with emerging evidence suggesting a link between exposure to nocturnal noise and adverse cardiometabolic outcomes.
The World Health Organization has identified noise as the second-largest environmental cause of health problems, after air pollution. It is linked to various issues, including sleep disturbances, which can have a detrimental effect on overall health and well-being. Research has shown that chronic noise exposure contributes to a significant number of new cases of heart disease and disrupts the sleep of millions of people.
Noise-induced sleep disturbances are particularly concerning in underserved communities, with a high concentration of people living in poverty and people of color. These communities are often located near transportation corridors, exposing them to higher levels of environmental noise, which can have negative health consequences.
While individuals can take measures such as wearing earplugs or investing in soundproofing insulation, larger-scale solutions are also necessary. Sound barriers, home insulation, and addressing road traffic noise through infrastructure changes and the promotion of active transport are some ways to mitigate the impact of noise pollution on sleep.
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Stress and mental health issues
Noise pollution can have a significant impact on human health and well-being. It can trigger the body's stress response system, leading to chronic stress and various mental health issues. The constant activation of the stress response system can wear down the body over time, causing mental and physical health problems.
Chronic noise exposure has been linked to increased stress and anxiety. A study found that a 10-decibel increase in aircraft noise was associated with a 28% increase in anxiety medication use. People exposed to noise pollution are more likely to experience symptoms of depression and have a higher risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The impact of noise on mental health is particularly pronounced in children and adolescents, who may suffer from behavioural problems, increased anxiety, delayed language skills, and impaired cognitive functioning.
Noise pollution can also affect sleep quality, preventing sleep and disrupting sleep cycles. This can further contribute to stress and mood disturbances. A study by Münzel et al. (2013) found that participants who slept with recordings of aircraft noise experienced worse sleep and higher levels of stress hormones the next morning. Additionally, people living in noisy environments may feel irritable, frustrated, or angry, especially if they feel they cannot control the amount of noise in their surroundings.
The health risks associated with noise pollution are not limited to the auditory system. Research suggests that noise pollution can impact the central nervous system and brain tissue, leading to neuroinflammation, cerebral oxidative stress, and impaired circadian rhythms. These factors may collectively contribute to the impairment of mental health and an increased risk of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Noise pollution is a prevalent issue, especially in urban areas, and it can affect individuals regardless of their socioeconomic status or cultural background. While it is challenging to escape noise in modern society, individuals can take steps to control their environment and limit noise exposure, such as through soundproofing, double-paned windows, or noise mitigation strategies.
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Learning and cognitive development
Noise pollution has been found to have a detrimental impact on human cognition and learning abilities, particularly in children. The effects of noise pollution on learning and cognitive development are far-reaching, with consequences for speech perception, listening comprehension, reading, and memory.
Speech Perception and Listening Comprehension
Children are more susceptible to the harmful effects of noise than adults, especially when it comes to speech perception and listening comprehension. Unfavourable listening conditions, such as noise or noise combined with reverberation, impair a child's ability to recognize and understand speech. These issues can be particularly challenging for children with language or attention disorders and those learning a second language.
Reading and Writing
Noise pollution has been linked to lower reading performance in children. Studies have consistently found an association between high exposure to noise, such as aircraft noise or indoor noise in classrooms, and decreased reading abilities. Noise-induced disruptions have also been observed in non-auditory tasks, such as reading and writing, with potential long-term effects on children's literacy skills.
Memory and Cognitive Development
Noise pollution can also impact children's memory and cognitive development. Studies have shown that enduring exposure to environmental noise may affect children's cognitive development and short-term memory. The negative effects of noise on memory tasks and cognitive processes can have cumulative impacts over time, underscoring the importance of minimizing noise pollution in learning environments.
Academic Performance and Motivation
Noise pollution in learning environments can lead to unhealthy academic conditions, affecting students' motivation and performance. Excessive background noise in classrooms or homes can exceed recommended levels, hindering students' cognitive development and academic achievements. This can result in low motivation, anxiety, and difficulties in understanding complex tasks, particularly in subjects like mathematics.
Emotional and Mental Health
In addition to cognitive impairments, noise pollution can contribute to emotional stress, anxiety, and even depression. High levels of noise act as a stressor, affecting brain signals and cognitive performance. The impact of noise on mental health can vary depending on personal characteristics, with some individuals experiencing more severe consequences than others.
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Frequently asked questions
Noise pollution is any unwanted or disturbing sound that affects the health and well-being of humans and other organisms. It is commonly generated inside many industrial facilities and some other workplaces, but it also comes from highway, railway, and airplane traffic and from outdoor construction activities.
Noise pollution can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypersensitivity to sound. It can also cause or exacerbate cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, sleep disturbances, stress, mental health and cognition problems, including memory impairment and attention deficits, childhood learning delays, and low birth weight.
Sources of noise pollution include traffic noise, which accounts for most polluting noise in cities. For example, a car horn produces 90 dB, and a bus produces 100 dB. A single aircraft can produce 130 dB. Building and car park construction and road and pavement resurfacing works are also very noisy. Bars, restaurants, and terraces that spill outside can produce more than 100 dB.
To reduce the impact of noise pollution on human health, it is recommended to wear protective devices such as earplugs when exposed to high levels of noise pollution. Additionally, it is important to get your hearing tested when experiencing hearing loss or ringing. Knowing the noise levels that can cause damage to your hearing is crucial, as is educating others about the hazards of environmental noise.
