The constant hum of traffic — engines roaring, horns honking, and buses screeching to a halt — often drowns out pleasant sounds like gentle rain, rustling leaves, or chirping birds.
Though noise might seem like a minor inconvenience compared to larger personal or global issues, it has far-reaching effects on our health and communities.
Research highlights that sustained exposure to noise levels of 65 decibels (dB) or higher can lead to severe health issues, including an increased risk of heart attack, hypertension, and other cardiovascular problems. As cities become denser and traffic grows louder, the health implications of noise become ever more critical.
Healthnews’ analysis of 30 countries and 434 cities in the European Environment Agency member states reveals that 285 cities are affected by harmful traffic noise in the 65–69 dB range.
Read the story in Healthnews.
Exposure Research Lab 