Over 110 million people across Europe are subjected to harmful levels of noise pollution, which negatively impacts their health, as revealed by a new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA).

Noise from transport causes heightened stress levels, sleep disturbances and severe health issues, resulting in at least 66,000 premature deaths annually.

The report discloses that one in five citizens of the European Economic Area are affected by noise pollution, primarily from road traffic, trains, and aircraft. In certain countries, like the UK, the proportion of citizens exposed to harmful noise levels reaches up to 40%.

The effects of noise pollution: Heart disease, diabetes and depression

The report’s findings suggest that 17 million Europeans endure long-term and severe annoyance from noise, while 5 million suffer from severe sleep disturbances. Furthermore, 15 million children reside in areas with dangerous noise pollution.

According to scientists, the health effects are even graver than those of passive smoking or lead exposure. Noise is associated with increased rates of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, stroke, mental disorders and cognitive impairment in children. The economic cost of noise pollution is estimated at €100 billion per year.

Dr Eulalia Peris, head of research at the EEA, cautions: “Noise pollution keeps the body on alert, even unconsciously. This constant stress triggers damaging physiological responses, such as inflammation and oxidative stress, which over time lead to chronic health problems.”

She shares her personal experience of noise pollution: “It restricts your life. It’s not just a nuisance – it’s a factor that deteriorates the quality of everyday life.”

Europe will not meet the target to reduce noise pollution by 2030

Despite these warnings, the report indicates that between 2017 and 2022, Europeans’ exposure to noise only decreased by a mere 3%, challenging the EU’s goal to reduce by 30% the number of citizens affected by transport noise by 2030.

Applying stricter limits, like those set by the World Health Organisation, increases the number of exposed citizens to 150 million.

What are the sources of the problem?

The EEA identifies:

  • 92 million people are affected by car noise
  • 18 million are affected by rail noise
  • 2.6 million are affected by airplane noise

The impact of these noise sources is estimated to result in 50,000 cases of heart disease and 22,000 cases of type 2 diabetes.

Noise pollution: Inadequate solutions and needed measures

Switching conventional cars for electric ones will not significantly reduce noise, as at low speeds, noise primarily originates from tyres and the road.

Indeed, a handful of excessively noisy vehicles are responsible for an inordinate amount of noise pollution.

Researchers’ recommendations for combating noise pollution:

  • Decreasing speed limits within city limits
  • Promoting public transportation, walking, and cycling
  • Adopting the use of low-noise tyres
  • Improving the upkeep of railways and their rolling stock
  • Enhancing takeoff/landing protocols and promoting quieter aircraft

EEA Executive Director Leena Ylä-Mononen stated: “Noise pollution is often underestimated because it doesn’t prompt immediate crises like air pollution. However, its long-term effects are profound and severe. Children are especially susceptible, and all nations need to respond with urgency.”

Information sourced from The Guardian

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