The impacts of aviation noise on health and well-being

Abstract

Exposure to aircraft noise is associated with several adverse health effects. Frequent flights over residential areas may cause disturbances of activities that require concentration like conversations, reading, and learning. Such interruptions may cause annoyance, irritation, and disappointment. Aircraft noise events can cause sleep disturbance as well. People are usually able to deal with this kind of inconvenience and to (partly) compensate short-term effects of noise-induced sleep disturbance. However, a constant exposure to noise can cause a permanent state of stress. Long-term noise and stress affect the cardiovascular and metabolic system leading to a higher risk for diseases such as heart infarction and diabetes. Children at school may have problems with reading comprehension and memory. In constantly noisy environments, overall quality of life may be reduced affecting well-being and mental health. Complex mechanisms how noise affects our health are explained in several scientific publications that were reviewed within the European ANIMA project and by the World Health Organization. Due to the diversity of noise characteristics (e.g. low frequency, impulses), and appearances in time (intermittent events), we recommend to consider additional noise indicators besides Lden and Lnight. For example, the maximum sound pressure level of a single noise event and the number and time of events during the night are relevant when assessing the impact on sleep. Not only the general population, but also vulnerable populations such as children and elderly people need to be considered in impact assessment. Furthermore, annoyance and sleep disturbance are not only determined by the noise exposure, but also by non-acoustic factors such as residents attitudes and expectations regarding the noise source. Therefore, transparent information policy is crucial in communication with residents affected by noise.