Traffic Noise and Cardiovascular Disease: Epidemiological Review and Synthesis

Author: Babisch W.¹

Source: Noise and Health, Volume 2, Number 8, Jul - Sept 2000 , pp. 9-32(24)

Publisher: nRn Publications

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Abstract:

Compared to other environmental issues, only a limited number of epidemiological studies is available on the relationship between traffic noise and cardiovascular diseases. The available literature provides no epidemiological evidence of a relationship between noise exposure and mean blood pressure readings in adults. However, noise-related increases in blood pressure are consistently seen in children. As far as hypertension as a clinical outcome is concerned, there is little evidence that exposure to high traffic noise levels is associated with an increased risk. With regard to ischaemic heart disease there is some evidence in the literature of an increased risk in subjects who live in noisy areas with outdoor noise levels of greater than 65-70 dBA.

Keywords: noise; health; traffic noise; noise annoyance; cardiovascular effects; hypertension; ischaemic heart disease; epidemiology

Language: English

Document Type: Review article

Affiliations: 1: Federal Environmental Agency, Dept. of Environment and Health, P.O. Box 330022, D-14191 Berlin, Germany

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