Noise as a Public Health Hazard

“Research is finding noise exposure has implications for cardiovascular and cognitive health. Yet, unlike other environmental stressors, noise has not been a major factor in community planning,” writes Elizabeth Hewitt in Reasons to be Cheerful.

Noise can trigger a stress response, the same system that signals when our bodies are in danger. It has been linked to issues like hypertension, heightened risk of heart disease and impaired cognitive functioning. It can cause sleep issues and contribute to mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.

Now, cities in Europe and the United States are starting to map noise levels to understand where dangerous sound levels exist and how to better protect people living and working nearby. In Paris, the city has sought to crack down on loud vehicles using sensors and cameras that can issue fines to offenders. Lower speed limits can also reduce vehicle noise, as will the growth of electric vehicles. 

Researchers hope that new methods of studying and quantifying the impact of noise on human health can help communities get the mitigation measures and protection they need.