A recent study conducted by an international team of researchers has brought to light the alarming impact of traffic noise on cardiovascular health. The researchers reviewed epidemiological data and found compelling evidence suggesting that an increase in noise from road traffic can heighten the risk of developing heart attacks, strokes, and even diabetes. This revelation has led to a call for traffic noise to be acknowledged as a key risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
One of the critical findings of the study highlighted that every 10-decibel rise in noise from road traffic could increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases by 3.2%. Particularly concerning was the impact of night-time traffic noise on disrupting sleep patterns, leading to elevated stress hormone levels in blood vessels, which in turn could trigger inflammation, high blood pressure, and vascular diseases. Senior Professor Thomas Mnzel from the University Medical Centre Mainz, Germany, emphasized the importance of recognizing traffic noise as a serious threat to cardiovascular health due to the robust evidence presented in the study.
To combat the detrimental effects of traffic noise, the researchers put forth various strategies for both local authorities and individuals to implement. These tactics include the erection of noise barriers along busy roads to reduce noise levels by up to 10 decibels and the use of noise-reducing asphalt during road construction, which has shown promise in decreasing noise levels by 3-6 decibels. Additionally, recommendations such as controlling driving speeds, promoting low-noise tires, utilizing bicycles and public transport to reduce urban road traffic noise, and optimizing air routes to divert aircraft from heavily populated areas were proposed as effective measures to mitigate the impact of noise pollution on public health.