Noise pollution threatens the health of millions of Europeans. Sleep disturbance, cardiovascular diseases, and mental disorders are the main effects.
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Dangerously hight traffic noise levels are putting nearly 112 million people at risk of serious long-term health issues, according to the latest European Environment Agency (EEA) report.
Road traffic is the main source of noise pollution, affecting about 92 million people across the EU.
By comparison, railway noise affects 18 million people, and air traffic impacts about 2.6 million.
France has the highest number of people exposed to transport noise above the EU’s safety limit, with 24 million affected. Nearly 90% of this is caused by road traffic.
At night, however, it is Germany where the most citizens are exposed to noise pollution: 15 million.
Nonetheless, when compared to the overall country's population, almost 70% of the Luxembourgish population is exposed to harmful noise levels during the day, and 50% during the night.
Transport noise is associated with higher mortality
Alongside air pollution and extreme temperatures, transport noise is one of the biggest environmental threats to health in Europe.
The human ear perceives sounds from 0 dB to 120-140 dB. For example, a whisper is about 30 dB, and a conversation is approximately 60 dB. When it comes to transport noise, a car sound can peak at 100 dB, and an airplane taking off can reach 120 dB.
Yet the European Union's Environmental Noise Directive considers any transport sound above 55 dB to be damaging to human health.
Long-term exposure disturbs sleep and stresses multiple bodily systems, contributing to cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, mental health disorders and even premature death.
Every year, noise levels from transportation contribute to 66,000 premature deaths, 50,000 new cases of heart disease, and 22,000 cases of type 2 diabetes.
Children are especially vulnerable. The EEA warns that noise pollution can affect reading comprehension, behaviour, and even lead to obesity.
The EEA also estimates that, although railway noise currently affects fewer people than road traffic, "its impact could grow due to higher activity, faster trains and new infrastructure."
Recommended measures
To solve the issue, the EEA recommends investing in quieter transport and more thoughtful urban planning.
Access to green spaces, whether through a nearby park or a green view, can also help reduce stress and annoyance caused by constant traffic noise.
Exposure to natural sounds, such as flowing water or birdsong, can also provide important psychological relief.
When it comes to air transport, the only recommended measure is introducing a night curfew at all airports.