Mental health disorders affect nearly one billion people worldwide and are a leading cause of suicide. In Switzerland, it is estimated that about 1.4 million people are affected by mental health issues and that approximately 1,000 people take their lives every year.
Environmental factors such as air pollution or noise have been linked to adverse health effects such as cardiovascular diseases and general well-being. However, robust evidence on the effects of transportation noise on mental health disorders remains scarce.
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For the first time, researchers found that exposure to transportation noise at home was linked to a higher risk of death by suicide. With every 10 dB increase in average road traffic noise at home, the risk for suicides rises by 4%. An association with railway noise was also observed, although less pronounced.
Noise: A Constant Stressor for Mental Health
Researchers used suicides as an indicator for mental health disorders as we do not have robust Swiss data on mental health diagnoses such as depression or anxiety. Noise increases the mental load, contributing to the development of mental disorders or worsening of pre-existing conditions.
The biological mechanisms by which noise impacts mental health include sleep disturbance, increased levels of stress hormones, changes in brain function, or a sense of loss of control. The brain registers noise as a sign of a potential threat and activates a ‘fight-or-flight’ response. Constant transportation noise at your home can make you agitated and unable to cope with stress.
Researchers compared the data obtained with noise exposure data from transportation sources including road traffic, railways, and aircraft. The noise exposure data were available for all households in 2001 and 2011 and were assigned to the study participants based on their place of residence.
Noise Reduction Measures Pay Off for Suicide Risk
The study highlights the importance of addressing the health impacts of transportation noise, air pollution, and greenness in urban planning and public health policies. It also adds to the growing body of evidence that chronic exposure to transportation noise impacts our physical and mental well-being.
This also study demonstrates that noise reduction measures such as speed limits, lighter vehicles, low-noise road pavement, and tires pay off.
Source: Eurekalert
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