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Health effects of noise pollution

It is more dangerous than we think

Exposure to high levels of noise pollution can have a number of negative health effects. Some of the potential health impacts of noise pollution include:

  1. Hearing loss: Prolonged exposure to loud noise can damage the hair cells in the inner ear, leading to hearing loss.

  2. Stress: Noise pollution can increase the body's production of stress hormones, leading to feelings of anxiety and stress.

  3. Sleep disturbance: Noise pollution can interfere with sleep, leading to fatigue and decreased productivity.

  4. Cardiovascular disease: Some studies have found an association between noise pollution and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure and heart attack.

  5. Other health effects: Noise pollution may also contribute to other negative health effects, such as impaired cognitive function, impaired immune function, and increased risk of stroke.

It's important to reduce noise pollution in order to protect the health and well-being of individuals and communities.

Source: Smith, M. J., & Berry, H. L. (2017). Noise pollution: non-auditory effects on health. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 110(3), 102-108.

Why Noise Pollution Is More Dangerous Than we Think, The New Yorker

TED Talk - Mathias Basner - Why noise is bad for your health
Vox - How noise pollution is ruining your hearing
The European Environmental Agency - Noise pollution is a major problem, both for humans health and the environment

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