Noise pollution means any intrusive noise that disturbs, distracts or reduces normal auditory and physiological functioning. Noise pollution can be found not only in large cities but also in suburban neighborhoods (for example in the form of roadworks and building construction) and even in individual homes and workplaces. Numerous scientific research shows that noise causes stress and can have a negative impact on health and productivity (Wright et al., 2014).
Causes of noise pollution
• Aircraft: Noise pollution created by aircraft engines has a significant negative impact on the health and well-being of those who live near airports and who often have to fly for work. This can include heart disease, hypertension, increased levels of stress hormones, and sleep disturbances (Schmidt et al., 2013; Kim et al., 2014).
• Traffic: one of the most disturbing factors for those who live in large cities or on busy streets is traffic noise. Even low noise levels can be harmful. Traffic noise is one of the most commonly experienced sources of noise pollution, and research has linked it to depressive symptoms along with cardiovascular and respiratory deaths (Tobías, Linares et al., 2015).
• Noisy workplaces: consider that the most harmful jobs are those on construction sites and in workshops, even offices are not exempt from this
• Household noises: although it may seem strange, our homes are potentially very noisy, for example if there is a lot of activity in the house, music or television always on. These events can cause loss of concentration and cause stress. Children from noisier homes are known to experience negative effects that include decreased cognitive growth, delayed language skills, increased anxiety, and reduced resilience (McMillan, Saffran, 2016; Klatte et al., 2013).
Harmful effects of noise
Although noise pollution can trigger the body's stress response, one of its main health effects is chronic stress and the high levels of stress hormones that accompany it.
This explains why noise pollution has been linked to heart disease, hypertension and stroke. Noise pollution can also affect sleep quality by impeding sleep and disrupting sleep cycles. And, perhaps most significantly, because chronic stress can reduce immunity to all diseases, noise pollution poses an overall threat to health and well-being.
Valentina Carlile - Osteopath expert in Osteopathy applied to voice and language disorders since 2002. For information and reservations visit the page Contacts
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