Noise is the second factor causing environmental diseases after pollution.

This report by DKV, GAES and ECODES looks at the effects of noise pollution on human health. Between auditory direct effects Hearing loss and tinnitus are prominent, and extra-auditory effects include: sleep disorders, heart diseases, mental illnesses (stress, depression, anxiety or dementia), complications at birth or reduced cognitive development and performance in boys and girls.

“Noise, air pollution, CO2 emissions and other greenhouse gases Interconnected issues affecting human health and that of the planet,” said Marta Pahissa, DKV’s environmental transformation manager.

The document also highlights the indirect effects of noise on health: Transportation noise can cause physical inactivity due to sleep disorders or reluctance to walk in noisy environments.

Spain is the second noisiest country in the world

In 2022, The World Health Organization (WHO) identified Spain as the second noisiest country in the world after Japan. Additionally, according to the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), 28% of the Spanish population is exposed to noise levels exceeding the 65 decibels recommended by the World Health Organization. “Noise is not a minor nuisance, it is among the four environmental factors of greatest importance for health and well-being,” added Marta Pahissa.

In this sense, Francesc Carreño, head of the GAES Social Field and Audiology Survey, said that “noise can cause injuries that are difficult to correct optimally.” “Noise is the biggest enemy of hearing loss,” he warned.

Carolyn Daher, a postdoctoral researcher at ISGlobal’s Urban Planning, Environment and Health Initiative, emphasized that noise “causes the body to respond, for example, triggering hormonal responses” or an “alert state” that causes inflammation. “Noise pollution can even turn into respiratory problems”. So, I believe that with this we can understand that we need far-reaching measures and at the same time we need to address this issue in a systematic time. is multi-sectoral work“he stated.

Using urban vegetation to reduce noise

One of the solutions suggested by experts to reduce the effects of noise on health is the removal of urban vegetation. green walls or vertical gardens in cities.

“We can use Vertical garden as an acoustic absorption element This improves the quality of the space in terms of acoustics,” stressed Francesca Olivieri, professor at the Higher Technical School of Architecture at the Polytechnic University of Madrid and an expert on nature-based solutions.

In this regard, the expert pointed out that various studies show “how it is.” Green walls offer greater performance at mid and high frequencies, These are actually frequencies corresponding to the frequency of the human voice, starting at about 400 Hertz”.

“These walls There is a substrate piecethat is, the plant does not grow alone on the wall, but instead has a substrate system with small boxes that come pre-planted at the nursery and are hung on the structure behind it. They are more efficient because the substrate absorbs approx. It receives 80% of the energy it receives at frequencies above 1000 hertz, which is a very common frequency in urban areas.” he explained.

Olivieri therefore insisted on the importance of “the design of these elements for the conditioning of the public space”. “Let’s take care of nature so that nature can take care of us “And thus it allows us to live in environments with good acoustic quality,” he concluded.

It doesn’t affect everyone the same way

On the other hand, the ‘Noise and Health’ report shows that exposure to environmental noise does not affect everyone because personal characteristics, including age, gender, lifestyle or pre-existing health conditions, To determine people’s susceptibility to adverse health effects.

According to the I GAES Survey on the Hearing Health of Young People in Spain, Seven out of ten young people admit that they do not go to the doctor even though they have a hearing problem.. Additionally, 60% guarantee that: They are not concerned about their hearing health and they see it as an older disease. Like this 82% do not limit helmet volume and 43% do not know WHO recommendations in this area.

One approach One Health and traffic control

According to the document and experts, The main source of noise pollution in Europe is road trafficNoise levels are expected to increase in both rural and urban areas over the next decade due to urban growth and increasing demand for mobility. Currently in Europe the noise price for a person exposed to 62 decibels (dBA) of road traffic noise is 342 euros.

“Acting at the traffic level will reduce not only the acoustic factor, but also air pollution, and this will contribute to the fight against this public health threat, which is resistance to antimicrobial agents,” said the professor and president of the One Health Platform. Department of Cellular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, ​​Maite Martín.

In this sense, the expert emphasized the necessity of addressing noise with a treatment method. One Health In the acoustic factor “causes changes in the behavior of dogs, which can lead to incidents of aggression and therefore They endanger the safety of the people they live with“And also the noise.”It masks the birds’ song and therefore hinders their reproductive success, leading to the extinction of these species.“.

“Our health depends not only on sound public health, but also on public health that is responsive to the needs of today’s world.”

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Contact address of the environmental department:krisclimatica@prensaiberica.es