When you think about pollution killing people, it’s usually air pollution or water contamination that come to mind. But this just in: noise pollution is second in line to air pollution, as a fatal environmental health hazard. Yes, noise pollution can kill.
A report published a few weeks ago by the World Health Organisation (WHO) lists noise disturbances as a factor in causing death, mostly through heart disease, caused by high blood pressure and stress hormones.
Annoyance caused by noise apparently has a really big impact on people’s health causing irritability and an inability to sleep, affecting overall well being. Car engines, horn sounds, loud crowds, building works, rubbish trucks coming early in the morning, and that lowly flying aeroplane : do any of these resonate with you? They may just be shortening your life.
If your curious to see noise levels where you live, check out these noise maps of England.
New Scientist suggests quieter vehicles as one solution to reducing noise related deaths. Many new electric cars and low emission vehicles are very quiet (Perhaps too quiet?) while also being better for the environment.
Additionally, double glazing windows has been cited as an individual action people can take to keep noise out of their homes while keeping the heat in. Pretty much a win win situation.
Other things you can do include walk more. Less cars means less noise. Walking makes for a more exciting journey and is great for your health. Or you can cycle – although you may not want to ring your bell too often ;)
And fly less. More people staying grounded would make the skies less crowded.
Katherine Hui is currently the Social site editor at Green Thing, a web-based public service in London that inspires people to lead greener lives through creative content.
Before this, she worked as the Development Manager at Social Innovation Camp, an organization that encourages people to use web and mobile-based technology to mobilise social change. She oversaw 300 ideas submission and helped build 20 prototypes – five of which have gone on to get further funding or investment.
Katherine’s came over to the UK form Canada in 2007 for an MSc program at the London School of Economics. Before arriving in London, she managed a small environmental start-up in Vancouver called the Canadian Climate Change Alliance.
Katherine is football mad. She is a loyal supporter of Arsenal FC, plays for Islington Borough Ladies FC and coaches for Gunners in Islington in her spare time. Her second favourite hobby is kite surfing and she can sometimes be found chasing the wind.
