Causes and Consequences of Noise Pollution in Cities

  • Prolonged exposure to noise can cause stress, anxiety and cardiovascular problems.
  • The WHO sets a limit of 65 dB during the day, which is exceeded in many urban areas.
  • Innovations such as solar covers and acoustic screens help mitigate noise.

noise from congestion and traffic

Today, two-thirds of the world's population lives in large cities. Cities have become hotbeds of high noise emissions and noise pollution. The main source of noise in cities is undoubtedly road traffic. The concentration of motor vehicles, traffic jams, honking and traffic generate a significant amount of noise that can seriously affect human health.

La World Health Organization (WHO) The European Union sets a daytime limit of 65 decibels (dB) to ensure that noise levels are not harmful to health. However, millions of people around the world are exposed daily to levels that exceed this threshold. This raises the question: what measures can be taken to mitigate this situation and what risks does the population face from prolonged exposure to high noise levels?

Characteristics of noise pollution

noise levels in cities

La noise pollution It differs from other types of pollution by several specific characteristics:

  • It is the cheapest pollutant to produce and requires very little energy to be emitted.
  • It is complex to measure and quantify accurately.
  • It leaves no residue and has no cumulative effect on the environment, but its effects on people can accumulate over time.
  • Its radius of action is much more limited compared to other pollutants, affecting specific areas.
  • It is not transported through natural means such as air or water.
  • It is perceived solely through the sense of hearing, which often leads to it being underestimated compared to visual pollution, for example.

Noise in cities

Airplane flying over a city

Modern cities present a challenge in terms of noise. Acoustics and noise pollution specialists are responsible for measuring noise levels in different areas and creating noise maps. These maps indicate exposure levels during the day and night and help to establish recommendations for reducing noise and improving public health.

During the day, acceptable noise is higher than at night. However, the prolonged exposure to high noise levels can trigger a number of health problems such as stress, anxiety and even cardiovascular problems. In particular, in children, this exposure can affect their ability to learn.

Insomnia

Difficulty getting to sleep

In areas with high nighttime activity such as bars and clubs, noise levels at night are often high, causing Difficulty falling asleep and, in the long term, insomnia. Insomnia affects mental and physical health, increasing the risks of stress, anxiety and immune system disorders. Recent studies have indicated that hospitalizations in these areas are more frequent.

Heart problems

heart problems caused by noise

The WHO recommends not exceeding 65 dB daytime, but many people are exposed to noise levels above this on a chronic basis, which can cause long-term problems, even without visible symptoms. High noise levels increase the production of hormones such as adrenaline, which can cause changes in blood pressure, affect heart rate and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Hearing problems

hearing problems

Constant exposure to loud noise can damage the cells in the ear, which in turn affects hearing. hearing loss It not only affects the ability to hear, but also general well-being, as it can lead to social isolation, depression and difficulties in the workplace and at school.

To prevent hearing damage, it is recommended:

  • Avoid noisy places if possible.
  • Use appropriate hearing protection.
  • Control the volume of devices such as the television and radio.
  • Limit the use of headphones to a moderate volume and for a controlled amount of time.

Noise pollution generates more sick people

sick from noise pollution

There are studies that associate noise pollution with an increase in the number of diseases. According to a report by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), traffic noise is one of the main causes of diseases related to urban planning and transport. This research calculated that up to 3.000 deaths a year could have been avoided in Barcelona with better acoustic planning of the city.

In addition to cardiovascular diseases, noise exposure is also linked to hypertension, strokes and, in some cases, even depression. Complying with international regulations on noise and physical activity can prevent more than 1.700 cases of cardiovascular diseases per year in cities like Barcelona alone.

Noise and health levels

Noise is measured in decibels (dB) and can be categorized according to its danger:

  • 0 dB: Hearing threshold.
  • 10-30 dB: Low noise, equivalent to light conversation.
  • 30-50 dB: Normal conversation.
  • 55 dB: Average level of acoustic comfort.
  • 65 dB: Maximum allowed during the day according to the WHO.
  • 75-100 dB: Hearing damage and feeling of discomfort.
  • 140 dB: The maximum that the human ear can withstand.

Sound of nature

sound of nature

The increase in noise in cities is causing us to move away from the quieter sounds of nature. Listening to birdsong or the rustling of leaves in a natural space has beneficial effects on health. Studies have shown that the sounds of nature They help to relax the mind and reduce stress, which may be related to human evolution, since these sounds are associated with a safe environment.

How to avoid noise pollution in cities

acoustic screens

Road traffic remains the largest source of noise pollution in cities. Therefore, reduce the amount of traffic o adapting infrastructure is essential. There are solutions such as acoustic screens, which help reduce the passage of noise into residential areas. In addition to these physical barriers, urban planning should promote the use of green areas and trees, which not only absorb noise, but also improve air quality.

There are also innovations such as solar roofs on roads, which not only reduce noise but also generate renewable energy. These roofs are already in use in some countries such as Belgium and are a great bet for the future in places with high exposure to traffic and sunlight.

There is no doubt that noise is a bigger problem than is often perceived. Even though we don't see it, the health consequences are significant. It is essential that we all do our part to reduce noise in urban environments and thus contribute to improving our quality of life.


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      kevin carruitero said

    In my case I usually listened to music with headphones for hours at an excessive loud volume and indeed I had a lot of stress and too much anxiety.
    Thanks for the contribution, greetings from Peru!