Meghan Hodges
Noise pollution, also known as environmental noise, is the propagation of potentially damaging sounds through the environment. It has been deemed a growing danger to the health and welfare of the Nation's population by US agencies such as the EPA. Research has shown that noise pollution can have adverse effects on human health, including hearing loss, tinnitus, high blood pressure, stress, sleep disruption, and more. It is also associated with the decline of cognitive capacity and has been linked to cardiovascular disease. With noise contributing to thousands of premature deaths and hospitalisations each year, it is essential to recognise its impact on human health and take steps to mitigate its harmful effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Noise pollution is any unwanted or disturbing sound that affects the health and well-being of humans and other organisms. |
| Sources | Machines, transport, propagation systems, construction, electrical generators, wind turbines, explosions, people, shipping, oil and gas exploration, fishing, etc. |
| Effects on Humans | Hearing loss, tinnitus, hypersensitivity to sound, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, sleep disturbances, stress, mental health problems, cognition problems, childhood learning delays, low birth weight, high blood pressure, speech interference, lost productivity, etc. |
| Effects on Wildlife | Difficulty in navigation, finding food, attracting mates, and avoiding predators, changes in distributional, physiological, and behavioral patterns, fewer chicks, etc. |
| Measurement | Sound is measured in decibels (dB). The normal human ear can detect sounds ranging between 0 dB and about 140 dB, with sounds between 120 dB and 140 dB causing pain. |
| Mitigation | Ear protection (earplugs or earmuffs), soundproofing insulation, creating green spaces in urban areas, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Hearing loss
Noise pollution is any unwanted or excessive sound that can have harmful effects on human health, wildlife, and environmental quality. It is commonly generated inside many industrial facilities and some other workplaces, but it can also come from highway, railway, and airplane traffic, as well as outdoor construction activities. The normal human ear can detect sounds ranging from 0 dB (hearing threshold) to about 140 dB, with sounds between 120 dB and 140 dB causing pain. Sounds that reach 85 dB or higher are considered potentially harmful to the ears.
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the most common and widely discussed adverse health effect of noise pollution. Approximately 10 million people in the US alone have permanent hearing loss due to noise pollution. NIHL can be caused by exposure to high-decibel sounds, such as those produced by construction drills (90 dB), lawnmowers (90 dB), or subway trains (90-115 dB). When two identical sources of loud noise operate side by side, the noise level increases by 3 dB. For example, two identical construction drills operating side by side will produce a noise level of 93 dB.
The human ear is more sensitive to high-frequency sounds than to low-frequency sounds of the same amplitude. As a result, electronic sound-level meters used to measure noise levels take into account the variations in perceived loudness with pitch. The A-weighted filter, commonly used for measuring ambient community noise, expresses SPL measurements as A-weighted decibels or dBA. Most people perceive a 6- to 10-dBA increase in an SPL reading as a doubling of "loudness."
In addition to causing hearing loss, noise pollution has been linked to various health issues, including stress, high blood pressure, sleep disturbances, cardiovascular disease, and mental health challenges. Research has shown that the more people are bothered by noise, the greater the health risks they face. Even those who tune out noise pollution, whether awake or asleep, experience autonomic stress reactions.
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Cardiovascular issues
Noise pollution is defined as "unwanted and/or harmful sound". 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. The effects of noise pollution on human health have been studied for at least half a century, and it has been deemed "a growing danger to the health and welfare of the Nation’s population".
One of the most significant ways that noise pollution impacts human health is by causing or exacerbating cardiovascular issues. Cardiovascular disease, arterial hypertension, myocardial infarction, and stroke have all been linked to noise pollution. Specifically, studies have shown that night-time noise can cause disruptions of sleep, which in turn can lead to increases in blood pressure and heart rate, as well as increased stress hormone levels and oxidative stress, which are risk factors for cardiovascular issues.
In addition, long-term exposure to traffic and aircraft noise has been associated with heightened activity in the amygdala, the brain region involved in processing stress, anxiety, and fear. This link may explain why chronic noise exposure appears to increase the risk of cardiovascular events. A 2020 study found that 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 European Environment Agency (EEA) reported in 2020 that many people remain exposed to high road traffic noise levels, estimating that at least 20% of the EU population lives in areas where transportation noise exceeds safe levels. The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates adverse health impacts are likely at these noise levels, particularly at night. This is supported by a study carried out around Heathrow airport, London, which reported an increased risk of stroke and coronary heart disease in relation to day-and-night-time exposure to aircraft noise.
Given the well-established link between noise pollution and cardiovascular issues, it is important for individuals to take steps to reduce their exposure to noise, such as wearing earplugs or investing in soundproofing insulation, and for governments to implement policies to mitigate noise pollution.
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Stress and mental health
Noise pollution is an environmental health concern that can have significant impacts on human health and well-being. It is often a risk factor for developing other diseases and has been linked to various mental health issues, including stress and anxiety.
Chronic exposure to noise can lead to continuous activation of the body's stress response system, resulting in adverse health consequences. The constant activation of this system contributes to mood disturbances, irritability, frustration, and aggression. Research has shown that the more people are bothered by noise, the greater the health risks they face. Even those who sleep through noise pollution experience autonomic stress reactions.
Noise-induced stress has been linked to increased levels of stress hormones, blood pressure, and heart rate, which can favor the development of cerebrocardiovascular diseases. Studies have found that people exposed to noise pollution are more likely to suffer from heart problems, such as atrial fibrillation and ischemic heart disease, and have higher rates of hypertension and stroke. Additionally, chronic noise exposure has been associated with a higher risk of sleep disturbances, which can further impact a person's mood and ability to concentrate.
The impact of noise on mental health is particularly evident in children. Research has shown that children exposed to frequent or loud noise may experience learning delays and difficulties in distinguishing similar words or reading. Noise pollution can also increase the risk of behavioral problems and cognitive impairments in children and adolescents.
The effects of noise pollution on stress and mental health are significant and can have far-reaching consequences. While individual noise mitigation strategies, such as wearing earplugs or soundproofing insulation, can help reduce exposure, addressing noise pollution at a societal level is crucial to protect public health.
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Sleep disruption
The impact of noise pollution on sleep is particularly evident at night, with transportation noise, including traffic, airplanes, and construction, being a significant source of disruption. Nocturnal noise has been linked to adverse health outcomes, including cardiometabolic, psychiatric, and social issues in both adults and children. The immediate effects of sleep loss can lead to daytime sleepiness and fatigue, impairing an individual's ability to function optimally during waking hours.
Additionally, the stress response caused by noise-induced sleep disturbances can have more profound implications. The release of stress hormones and the increase in blood pressure and heart rate can contribute to an elevated risk of cardiovascular morbidity and disease. While the specific mechanisms require further research, there is growing evidence that the negative health consequences of noise pollution are mediated through sleep disturbances.
The impact of noise on sleep is subjective and varies across individuals. Some people may find that background noise, such as natural sounds or white noise, helps mask unwanted noise and promotes sleep. However, for those who are highly sensitive to noise, even the slightest disruption can cause sleep issues. This sensitivity can lead to further health risks as the body experiences autonomic stress reactions, whether the individual is awake or asleep.
Addressing sleep disruptions caused by noise pollution is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. Strategies such as soundproofing, earplugs, and modifying sleep environments can help mitigate the impact of noise on sleep. Additionally, public health measures and regulations aimed at reducing noise pollution are essential to protect communities, especially those disproportionately affected by traffic noise, such as low-income areas and communities of colour.
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Learning and cognition
Noise pollution has been found to have a significant impact on human cognition and learning. Research has shown that noise exposure is associated with cognitive impairment, affecting performance and brain activity. Studies have revealed that noise can interfere with cognitive processing, causing changes in strategic responses and reducing performance accuracy and working memory performance. For instance, a meta-analysis found that reading comprehension scores in quiet classrooms were higher than in noisier classrooms.
The impact of noise on cognition is particularly evident in children's learning environments. Unwanted or loud noise at school or home can make it challenging for children to learn and may negatively impact their behaviour, ability to form relationships, and confidence. Noise pollution can also contribute to childhood learning delays, with potential long-term consequences for educational outcomes and future opportunities.
Additionally, noise-induced stress can further impair cognitive function. The constant activation of the brain's alertness and attention systems due to noise can lead to increased stress and anxiety, which in turn affects cognitive performance. This stress response can also contribute to the development of other health issues, such as cardiovascular disease.
The effects of noise pollution on cognition are not limited to children. Workers in noisy environments may experience cognitive impairments that affect their ability to perform complex tasks and increase the risk of accidents. This is particularly concerning in vital industries where high levels of cognitive skill are required, such as healthcare or transportation.
Overall, the evidence suggests that noise pollution has a detrimental impact on learning and cognition across all ages. It can interfere with information processing, memory, and attention, hindering educational attainment and workplace performance. More research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms involved and develop effective strategies to mitigate the negative effects of noise on human cognition.
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Frequently asked questions
Noise pollution is any unwanted or excessive sound that has a negative impact on human health, wildlife, and environmental quality.
Research has shown that noise pollution can cause hearing loss, stress, high blood pressure, sleep disturbances, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, mental health issues, and more.
Noise pollution has been shown to impact the health and well-being of wildlife on land and in the ocean. For example, it can cause caterpillars' heart rates to increase and bluebirds to have fewer chicks. It also interferes with marine mammals' ability to echolocate, navigate, feed, and find mates.
The main sources of noise pollution include machines, transport, construction, electrical generators, wind turbines, and industrial facilities. Poor urban planning, such as side-by-side industrial and residential buildings, can also contribute to noise pollution in residential areas.
