A recent study has discovered a potential link between airplane noise and an increased risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases, such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and hypertension. The research revealed that individuals exposed to aircraft noise levels of 45 dB or higher were more likely to report a higher body mass index (BMI), with the greatest BMI measurements associated with noise levels of 55 dB or higher. This suggests a correlation between airplane noise and obesity, which can contribute to serious health issues.hypertension. The results emphasize the impact of the environment and environmental injustices on health outcomes.
Studies have demonstrated that noise from airplanes and helicopters flying overhead is more disruptive to people than noise from other forms of transportation, and a growing body of evidence suggests that aircraft noise is linked to adverse health effects.
A recent study, conducted by Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) and Oregon State University (OSU), suggests that airplane noise may contribute to an increased risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases, a group of conditions related to heart disease and metabolism. rnrnThe study, published in the journal “Environment International,” discovered that people exposed to airplane noise levels of 45 dB or more had a higher likelihood of having a higher self-reported body mass index (BMI). The study linked the highest BMI measures to aircraft noise levels of 55 dB or above. In addition, airplane noise exposure at 45 dB or above was also associated with having a higher BMI from middle to late adulthood compared to early adulthood. For comparison, a whisper is 30 dB, a library setting is 40 dB, and a typical conversation at home is 50 dB.An investigation of aircraft noise exposure and its potential impact on obesity in the United States suggests a correlation between high levels of noise and increased risk of obesity. Previous studies have mainly focused on European populations and have produced conflicting results. Research has shown that aircraft noise can cause stress and disrupt sleep, but its connection to body mass index has been uncertain. Dr. Matthew Bozigar, the lead researcher of the study and assistant professor of epidemiology at OSU, expressed surprise at the strong association found between aircraft noise exposure and obesity. This study is the first of its kind to explore this link on a nationwide scale in the United States.The study found a connection between aircraft noise and higher body mass index among women in the US. This highlights the impact of the environment on the risk of chronic disease. Dr. Bozigar emphasized that while obesity is often stigmatized, it is important to recognize its association with poor cardiometabolic health outcomes and strong environmental influences. This suggests the potential for implementing policies to address these factors contributing to obesity. The researchers specifically looked at airplane noise exposure and its relationship with body mass index among women.Self-reported BMI and other personal characteristics were studied in a group of nearly 75,000 individuals living near 90 major US airports. The participants were chosen from the Nurses’ Health Studies (NHS), which are ongoing studies of female nurses in the US who have been completing questionnaires every two years since the 1970s and 1980s.
The research team analyzed the levels of aircraft noise every five years from 1995 to 2010, using a day-night estimate (DNL) that measures the average noise level over a 24-hour period and adjusts for a 10 dB increase in aircraft noise at night, when background noise is minimal. The current policy-related threshold for significant noise . The study found that the impact of aircraft noise exposure is higher than 65 dB DNL. The researchers looked at BMI measurements at different levels below that threshold (less than 45 dB; 45-54 dB; 55 dB and above; and continuous exposure at 45 dB or above) based on the geocoded residential addresses of the nurses. The team recognizes that BMI may not be the best measure, but they did find a strong and independent correlation between higher aircraft noise exposure and higher BMI. They also found that there were regional differences, with stronger correlations among participants on the West Coast and those living in arid conditions. The reasons for these regional variations are not fully understood, but the researchers can only speculate about them.be due to the specific environmental factors present in those regions. Dr. Peters noted that “These findings suggest that regional climate and building characteristics play a significant role in the relationship between aircraft noise exposure and cardiovascular health. As climate change continues to affect temperature and humidity patterns, these factors may become even more important in understanding and addressing the health impacts of aircraft noise.” Overall, the study highlights the importance of considering regional differences in environmental factors when studying the effects of aircraft noise on health.According to Dr. Peters, the study is focused on how noise travels in different atmospheric conditions.
Further research should investigate the connection between exposure to aircraft noise and obesity, as well as the broader disparities in environmental noise exposure, particularly among different populations. Previous information indicates that Black, Hispanic, and low-income groups are more heavily affected by aircraft noise. The majority of participants in the NHS study were White and had a moderate socioeconomic status.
“It is important to study the possible health effects of environmental inequalities in transportation noise exposure, as well as other environment.” Dr. Bozigar stated that the study reveals the mental factors that contribute to poor health outcomes. He also mentioned that there is still more to learn about this topic, but the study provides further evidence that noise has a negative impact on health.
