Public health experts have warned that frequent exposure to loud road noise could increase the risk of high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases.
According to the experts, studies have even confirmed the link between loud road noise and some cardiovascular health conditions
The experts explained that being exposed to wailing sirens, aggressive horns, and roaring engines of giant diesel trucks is harmful and complicates some health conditions.
Speaking about a new study published on March 22, 2023, in the journal JACC which found that busy road noise was linked to an increased risk of having high blood pressure — a top risk factor for heart attack and stroke, the experts noted that countries including Nigeria must start addressing the social menace.
According to the study, people living near road traffic noise were more likely to develop hypertension.
The study also postulated that there is a ‘dose-dependent relationship’ between traffic noise and cardiovascular conditions, noting that the greater the amount of road noise, the greater the risk.
Speaking with PUNCH Healthwise on the study, a professor of public health, Prof. Tanimola Akande, and a public health physician at Ogun general hospital, Dr. Tunji Olaoluwa, stressed that noise is a slow killer which reportedly caused an increased risk of disease and death.
The experts noted that there are additional indications that the risk of a stroke increases by 11 per cent, the risk of developing diabetes increases by 11 per cent, and the risk of heart flickering by 6 per cent.
Prof. Akande said persistent exposure to environmental noise can lead to an increase in blood pressure among hypertensive patients.
He said, “Persistent exposure to road noise from sirens, aggressive horns, and heavy trucks can affect the health of those exposed. Acute effects include distraction, panic attacks, irritability, and annoyance.
“Long exposure can lead to noise-induced hearing loss. Traffic noise may lead to headaches, sleep disturbance, stress, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of heart disease. Noise-induced hearing is caused by exposure to loud noise particularly if the exposure is persistent.
“Noise in itself will not lead to stroke or heart attack but it does increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases like stroke and heart attack. A study found that stroke risk increases by 14 per cent per 10 dB increase in the noise level of traffic noise.”
On how to prevent noise pollution, the professor said, “The most important preventive measure is to reduce noise exposure. There is a need to increase awareness of the health effects of traffic noise. The behaviour of drivers that frequently blast horns can then be modified.
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