Recent studies from the US and UK have revealed that aircraft noises can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This means that people living close to airport runways, therefore constantly exposed to the nonstop noise of airplane engines, are at higher risk of developing certain diseases. Is there any real foundation? Let’s examine:
Influence on newly built airports
The constant noise produced by engines has been proven to cause harm to health and reduce the quality of people’s lives. After these studies were released, it is believed that their findings should have influence on future plans on building new airports and runways.
Professor Stephen Stansfeld from Queen Mary University of London, wrote in an editorial that “the results imply that the siting of airports and consequent exposure to aircraft noise may have direct effects on the health of the surrounding population. Planners need to take this into account when expanding airports in heavily populated areas or planning new airports.”
Let’s Look At Stats: 20% More Likely?
The British Medical journal published a study online where it looked at the health of people living close to Heathrow airport in London, and it revealed that those with the higher exposure to aircraft noises have up to 20% more chances of developing cardiovascular diseases. These mainly include strokes and coronary heart disease. Linked to this, a study on the health of Americans over the age of 65 living close to 89 US airpots revealed that their risk went up “3,5% for every extra 10 decibels of noise”.
Sleep disturbance and annoyance are heavy factors
These studies obviously show just a possible link between the development of cardiovascular deceases and aircraft noise exposure, but no actual proof. However, it is widely recognised that sleep disturbance, annoyance(?) and all other factors that are immediate consequences of the noise caused by planes constantly flying over your home, generally reduce life quality, making the development of diseases more likely.
