Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Traffic, Noise and Health


 Traffic noise has impact on sleep(Health24, Sep. 11, 2012) 

Also discussed here: Real Noise from the Urban Environment: How Ambient Community Noise Affects Health and What Can Be Done About It(Abstract, Anne Vernez Moudon, Dr es Sc, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, August 2009) 

Atlanta Downtown Connector at nightToday we review some research that assessed the degree of sleep disturbance and high annoyance from traffic noise on the populations of three cities in and near Atlanta, Georgia. Results indicate that just under 10% are highly annoyed and 2.5% are sleep deprived. The article calls for the control and abatement of noise in order to improve the health of communities.  





Key Quotes: 

"Our research estimated that the percentage of the overall populations at risk of high annoyance is 9.5%, and highly disturbed sleep at 2.3%,"

 "Long-term exposure to noise could increase the risks of heart attack and high blood pressure. Nighttime noise can reduce sleep quality and increase morning tiredness and insomnia."

 "We believe it is time to begin extensive traffic-related noise research and establish up-to-date policies to control and abate noise problems for our communities," 

“Adequate restful sleep and mental well-being are as essential to good health as adequate nutrition and physical activity. Assessing and alleviating environmental noise is an essential element for improving or creating healthy communities where adults and children can play, work, and live.”
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