What's happened
A new study from University College London reveals that residents near airports face increased heart health risks due to aircraft noise. The research indicates that exposure to high noise levels can lead to stiffer heart muscles, raising the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes, particularly among those living near major airports.
What's behind the headline?
Health Implications
- Increased heart risks: Residents near airports show stiffer heart muscles.
- Higher likelihood of severe health events: Up to four-fold increase in heart attack and stroke risks.
Noise Exposure
- Daytime vs. nighttime: Nighttime exposure is particularly harmful due to sleep disruption.
- Decibel levels: Noise exceeding 50 dB during the day and 45 dB at night is linked to health issues.
Recommendations
- Need for further research: Calls for more studies on long-term effects of aircraft noise.
- Government action: Urgent need for policies to mitigate noise pollution for affected populations.
What the papers say
According to the NY Post, the study highlights that 'higher noise was defined as exceeding an average of 50 decibels during the day and 45 decibels between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.' This aligns with findings from The Independent, which emphasizes that 'those living in higher noise areas had stiffer and thicker heart muscles.' Both sources stress the need for government and industry solutions to address the health impacts of aircraft noise, with Dr. Gaby Captur from UCL stating, 'concerted efforts from Government and industry are needed to reduce our exposure to aircraft noise.'
How we got here
The study analyzed health records of over 3,600 individuals living near major UK airports, comparing them to those in quieter areas. Previous research has already linked aircraft noise to various health issues, including sleep disturbances and high blood pressure.
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University College London, officially known as UCL since 2005, is a public research university located in London, United Kingdom.