Posted on: Oct. 28, 2013
We all know that noise can be stressful – and that there is an ever increasing level that seeps into and through our lives like rising flood water. However, a study published this month in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) provides yet more evidence that environmental noise isn’t just pervasive and annoying, but that it is a serious health hazard that kills thousands of people a year in the UK.
BMJ report – noise increases risks of stroke and coronary heart disease
The BMJ study provides quantitative data on the increased risks of stroke and coronary heart disease that would be expected due to the adverse effects of noise on cardiovascular health caused by raised blood pressure and hypertension. Areas near Heathrow with the highest levels of aircraft noise, for example, have a 24% increased incidence of hospital admissions due to stroke, a 21% increase for coronary heart disease and a 14% increase for cardiovascular disease compared with areas exposed to the lowest levels.
This is additional evidence of the health hazards associated with environmental noise, such as those identified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) report of 2011 which found that around 2% of all deaths from heart attacks in western Europe are caused by exposure to environmental noise.
Noise control technology to reduce stress – quickly…
…the “industry” associated with environmental noise typically concentrates on measuring the problem – rather than solving it. Moreover, the standard of noise control engineering expertise generally displayed is utterly woeful…
Whilst there is not much that can be done about reducing the noise from aircraft, it is often practical to reduce the noise from other forms of transport and from construction. As for noise from industrial and other premises (offices, warehouses, hotels etc), in many cases there are simple, low cost solutions using new technology that can be implemented very quickly. Unfortunately, the “industry” associated with environmental noise typically concentrates on measuring the problem – rather than solving it. Moreover, the standard of noise control engineering expertise generally displayed is utterly woeful…
As a result, we often get called-in to look at environmental noise problems causing stress for large numbers of people that have been dragging on unnecessarily for many months, or even years. Using new technology that constitutes current Best Practicable Means (BPM), we usually solve most of these problems within weeks – and at a fraction of the expected cost.
Consequently, large numbers of people are being exposed unnecessarily to noise induced stress due to a lack of knowledge and understanding about the environmental noise control techniques now available. Take a look at the case studies that illustrate just what is possible to reduce the toll that unnecessary environmental noise takes on the population. Or contact us to discuss a particular issue.
