In cities, noise pollution is a growing problem, mainly due to traffic, construction work and everyday hustle and bustle. However, although the effects of air pollution are well known, the impact of noise on health is equally worrying, with an increasing number of related diseases. In fact, noise pollution can trigger health problems as serious as those caused by air pollution, although its perception and media coverage often differ.
For example, in the city of Barcelona, if all recommendations and regulations related to exposure to noise and air pollution were complied with, up to 13% of diseases related to these factors could be avoided. Exposure to high noise levels is accompanied by negative effects both physically and mentally, which makes noise pollution a public health problem. What factors cause the most diseases due to noise?
The noise also makes you sick
Among the environmental factors that affect health, noise is one of the most insidious. According to the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), road traffic is the main source of harmful noise for citizens. In fact, this type of pollution causes more illnesses than lack of physical activity or even air pollution itself.
The ISGlobal study also estimates that better urban and transport planning in cities like Barcelona could prevent up to 3.000 deaths a year. In addition, around 1.700 cases of cardiovascular disease, more than 1.300 episodes of hypertension, and nearly 850 strokes, among others, could be prevented. These data demonstrate the direct relationship between noise and health.
Prolonged exposure to noise has serious health consequences. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), one in five Europeans is exposed to harmful levels of environmental noise. In Europe alone, noise causes 12.000 premature deaths each year and contributes to 48.000 new cases of ischaemic heart disease. This shows that noise not only affects well-being, but can also be fatal.
High noise levels and their effects
The ISGlobal study reveals that nearly 36% of illnesses resulting from poor urban planning in Barcelona are related to traffic. In the city, the average daily exposure to noise during the day is 65,1 decibels (dB), while at night it is 57,6 dB, well above the WHO recommendations, which set the limit at 55 dB during the day and 40 dB at night.
Constant exposure to loud sounds causes irreversible damage to hearing. The ear, although accustomed to urban life, is not designed to tolerate overexposure to noise. This problem is aggravated when the individual becomes what some call “noise addicts”, believing that noise is a normal part of life. However, this masks the damage suffered by the body, especially the auditory and cardiovascular systems.
The body reacts to noise by activating the nervous system, which generates a “fight or flight” response. This response, which continues over time, leads to health problems such as chronic stress, hypertension and sleep disturbances, as well as affecting memory and the ability to concentrate. A report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) concludes that environmental noise has a considerable impact on quality of life and mental health.
Direct consequences of noise on health
Noise, although not always perceived as a major problem, affects multiple aspects of our health in a profound way:
- Sleep disturbances: Noises at night disrupt deep sleep phases, preventing restful sleep. People who are constantly exposed to noise suffer from insomnia, which contributes to psychological problems such as anxiety and depression.
- Increased cardiovascular risk: Constant exposure to noise can cause high blood pressure and increase the risk of heart attack. According to the WHO, the relationship between noise and heart problems is well documented.
- Cognitive impairments in children: Children who grow up in noisy areas, such as near airports or train tracks, may experience learning difficulties, attention problems and delays in cognitive development.
- Psychological disorders: Prolonged exposure to high noise levels increases stress levels, as well as irritability and the propensity to develop anxiety disorders or depression.
As we mentioned earlier, the effect of noise is not only psychological. Recent studies have shown that noise can trigger hormonal disruptions, elevating cortisol and adrenaline levels, which increases blood pressure and affects the health of the immune system. The cumulative impact of these disturbances increases the likelihood of developing chronic diseases in the long term.
One of the most common effects associated with noise pollution is hearing loss. Although the noise sources may vary from traffic to the continuous use of headphones, the results are equally damaging. World Health Organization It is estimated that around 1.100 billion young people worldwide are at risk of hearing loss due to prolonged exposure to loud noise.
Measures to reduce noise exposure
To mitigate the impact of noise pollution, it is essential to take action at both personal and governmental levels. At the individual level, some simple practices can be beneficial, such as using earplugs, noise-cancelling headphones or installing double glazing on windows to reduce incoming noise in homes.
At a collective level, noise reduction policies in cities play a crucial role. Many municipalities have already implemented rules to regulate noise levels in residential and commercial areas, but a more coordinated effort is needed. Adopting measures such as paving roads with noise-absorbing materials, creating quiet zones and implementing actions that encourage the use of public transport or bicycles can make a big difference.
Furthermore, promoting awareness campaigns so that citizens recognise the risks associated with noise pollution is another key step in preventing its negative effects on health.
Although noise pollution is often ignored, alarming data and the real impact on people's lives show that it is a problem that requires urgent attention. Incorporating sustainable solutions and improving urban planning will not only improve our physical well-being, but also our overall quality of life.