Is noise pollution increasing your risk of blood pressure, stroke and heart attacks?

A recent study says that chronic noise is a health threat, increasing the risk of hypertension, stroke and heart attacks. Please comment.

There is increasing scientific evidence that excessive exposure to noise pollution can cause various physical and mental health issues. Physically, it can cause hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hypertension, increased pulse rate, disturbed sleep, stress-related problems and even death in extreme cases. It can also contribute to irritability, decreased concentration, anxiety and even depression on a psychological level. In addition, noise pollution can disrupt communication and reduce productivity and quality of life. The impact of noise is determined by its intensity, duration, and the individual’s susceptibility.

What does noise do to our body, the endocrine system, BP, heart and hearing?

Long-term exposure to noise pollution affects the endocrine system, blood pressure, heart and hearing, resulting in chronic health issues and poor quality of life. Loud noise can induce stress responses in the human body, releasing stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline via the endocrine system. Long-term or chronic exposure to elevated noise can disrupt the normal functioning of the endocrine system, leading to impaired immune function, metabolic alterations and hormonal imbalance.

Continuous exposure to high noise, particularly for extended periods, has been linked to increased heart rate and blood pressure (BP). Noise-induced tension can cause vasoconstriction, i.e., narrowing of blood vessels and subsequently increase BP. This increased burden on the heart can eventually lead to cardiovascular issues and an increased risk of heart disease, even heart attack in severe cases.

Hearing impairment is a well-known consequence of excessive noise exposure, which leads to Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL) or nerve damage in the inner ear. The delicate hair cells are responsible for sending sound signals to the brain, which can be damaged by prolonged or recurrent exposure to loud noise. Apart from temporary hearing loss, this can lead to permanent hearing loss.

What about auditory and non-auditory effects of noise?

Auditory effects include tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, hissing sensation in the ears), fatigue, hearing loss, and in extreme cases, death. Non-auditory effects include interference in speech, impaired cognitive performance, loss of working efficiency, social isolation, annoyance, increase in heartbeat, stress and anxiety, daytime drowsiness, decreased cognitive performance, irritability, depression, disrupted sleep patterns and an increased risk of cardiovascular problems such as hypertension (high blood pressure), increased heart rate and an elevated risk of heart disease.

How loud is too loud. What levels of noise (decibels) are associated with adverse health effects?

Noise level at or above 70dB is reported to be associated with adverse health effects. A level of 70dB can lead to various physiological and psychological effects. Any sound that’s at or above 85dB can cause hearing loss. Recreational activities are dangerously loud and can cause permanent hearing damage. For example, aerobic studios have a noise level of 120dB and gunshot at 160-170 dB.

What are the levels as per the WHO, which are safe for day and night?

The WHO guidelines for community noise recommend less than 30 dB (A) in bedrooms during the night for good quality sleep and less than 35 dB (A) in classrooms to allow good teaching and learning conditions. The WHO guidelines for night noise recommend less than 40 dB (A) of annual average (night) outside of bedrooms to prevent adverse health effects from night noise. A-weighted decibel dB(A) expresses the relative loudness of sounds as perceived by the human ear.

Who is most at risk?

As per data, children and senior citizens are at a higher risk. We also need to understand that apart from environmental noise, other factors could also contribute to hearing impairment, such as heredity factors, resulting in hearing loss disabilities in over 32 million children. Further, as per the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, 25 per cent of people between the ages of 65 and 74 experience hearing loss. However, most of these hearing losses are preventable through proper screening and treatment.

What are the measures we can take to protect against noise pollution?

Individuals play a very crucial role in preventing and controlling noise pollution. Some common measures include:

1) Dissemination of information regarding the adverse effects of noise pollution.

2) Plant trees as they act as a barrier in the propagation of noise.

3) Be aware of noise generation through your daily activities.

4) Avoid unnecessary honking, noisy conversations and loud electrical appliances.

5) Use quieter means of transport.

6) Maintained and timely service vehicles, domestic appliances and machinery.

7) Utilise noise-reducing devices such as silencers, mufflers and so on.

8) Use of sound-proofing techniques in structures.

9) Use of noise absorbents.

10) Participate in local community efforts, campaigns and initiatives to increase awareness and promote noise reduction.

11) Switching mobile phones to vibrating or low-volume mode.

What can be done at the community and government level?

1) Raise awareness regarding noise pollution, the source noise and its impact.

2) Regulate noise levels near hospitals and schools.

3) Plant trees as they absorb noise.

4) Proper implementation of noise control regulations and standards.

5) Support the Sound Hearing 2030 initiative to prevent and control hearing impairments by 90 per cent by the year 2030.

6) Create buffer zones between noisy areas and residential areas.

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7) Support and be a part of the various government initiatives to reduce noise pollution and hearing loss, such as the National Ambient Noise Monitoring Network (NANMN), National Programme for the Prevention and Control of Deafness (NPPCD)