EEB

Industry & health

Noise

• What is the EU doing?
• What is the EEB doing?

Traffic noise disturbs the lives of millions of European citizens. It is estimated that 44% of Europeans (over 210 million people) are regularly exposed to noise levels considered potentially dangerous to health.

Noise pollution can be defined as unwanted sounds caused by traffic (road, rail, and aircraft), industry, and leisure activities. High noise levels affect both health and overall quality of life. It raises stress, disrupts sleep and can lead to an increased risk of heart disease.

Noise also increases the stress already present from difficult social, familial or professional relationships and can intensify the development of mental disorders, among other numerous negative effects.

The European Environment Agency’s (EEA) Fourth Assessment of Europe’s Environment (2007) identifies that the health impacts of environmental noise are underestimated and require further attention.

Useful links

- WHO’s Health and Noise homepage

- EEA’s webpage on noise