The population is growing, as are cities, airports, traffic… and many other sources of noise pollution. Most of us are exposed to large doses of noise every day. Also, even if you live in the city and are used to the noisy atmosphere, that does not mean that your brain is and, unfortunately, exposure to certain levels of noise has serious consequences.
Click through the gallery to find out how noise pollution harms your health.
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What is noise pollution?
Any unwanted sound can be considered noise pollution if it is loud enough. The WorldHealth Organization (WHO) describes sound above 65 decibels (dB) as noise pollution.
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What causes noise pollution?
Noise pollution can be caused by many different things, such as traffic, planes, construction sites, trains, animals, and people.
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But aren’t we surrounded by sounds?
In fact, humans have always been surrounded by sounds. From the song of a bird, to a stream of water and the sound of the wind through the trees. However, those are part of the medium and do not reach unhealthy levels.
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How is noise pollution measured?
Noise is sound, so it is measured in decibels. The more decibels, the further the sound travels. That’s why you still hear the planes even if they are far away.
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decibels
A quiet night in the country or in a suburban area usually has about 20 or 30 decibels.
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decibels
On the other hand, the decibels of a normal conversation are usually around 60.
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decibels
Cars and trucks range from 70 to 90 decibels, depending on the type of road and the distance. For example, more noise is emitted on a motorway than on an urban road, and the closer you get, the louder you hear it.
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decibels
Finally, we have the kings of noise pollution, such as sirens and airplanes, which can reach 120 decibels or more. The works can also reach very high levels, as well as the trains.
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more than a nuisance
Noise pollution can be irritating, but some people get used to it, especially those who live in the city. However, that does not mean that it is no longer harmful to your physical and mental health.
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How does it work
Our brain is always on alert looking for sounds that could be a sign of danger, even when we sleep.
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How does it work
When noise reaches the brain, the auditory cortex and the amygdala are activated. The latter responds by sending a danger signal and triggering a stress response.
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How does it work
This stress response activates the sympathetic nervous system, which puts the body into a fighting state.
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How does it work
As a result, our body is invaded by cortisol, the stress hormone, we release adrenaline and blood pressure increases, among other physiological responses.
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How does it work
This would be useful if we were sleeping in the jungle and a lion was approaching us, but not when we are sleeping comfortably in our bed, safe from any danger.
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Impact
It’s easy to see how this affects our sleep, even if we don’t wake up. It impairs the quality of sleep, which can have disastrous consequences on our health.
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Impact
Many ailments have been linked to exposure to noise pollution, both physically and psychologically.
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Impact
These include anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease.
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Impact
This is not to mention those people who are regularly exposed to high noise levels (such as construction workers, aviation personnel, etc.) who may suffer from health problems such as hearing loss and tinnitus.
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Impact
Exposure to unhealthy levels of noise can also affect learning. One study found that an estimated 12,500 schoolchildren in Europe suffered from learning difficulties due to exposure to aircraft noise.
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How many people does it affect?
It is estimated that one-third of the population in Europe and the US is regularly exposed to noise above 70 decibels.
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How many people does it affect?
The European Environment Agency estimates that noise pollution was linked to approximately 12,000 premature deaths. It is also linked to 48,000 new cases of ischemic heart disease each year in Europe.
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How many people does it affect?
According to a WHO report, every year Europeans lose more than 1, million years of healthy life due to traffic noise.
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How many people does it affect?
One study found that living near Frankfurt Airport in Germany meant you took a 7% higher risk of having a stroke.
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How many people does it affect?
In 2011, a study found that a 10-decibel increase in aircraft noise could lead to a 28% increase in anti-anxiety medication use in people living near Europe’s seven largest airports.
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How many people does it affect?
One study showed that people who lived in areas with more traffic were 25% more likely to have symptoms of depression, compared to those who lived in quieter areas.
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What will it be like in the future?
The United Nations estimates that by 2050 approximately 70% of the population will live in cities, so the number of people affected by noise pollution is likely to increase.
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What can I do about it?
If you live in a city or are exposed to high levels of noise pollution, there are a couple of things you can do to reduce noise.
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What can I do about it?
Good quality windows can make a difference, and so can soundproofing panels.
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What can I do about it?
Sometimes it’s not possible to change installing home insulation measures, but there is still something you can do.
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What can I do about it?
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you buy something using the recommended links on this page.