Road noise linked to Parkinson's risk in new study
Research involving 3 million participants connects decibel increases to neurological health risks as experts call for better regulation.
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New research has established a link between road noise and the development of Parkinson's disease. Following more than 3 million participants in Denmark over 18 years, the study found that for every 11.5dB increase in noise levels, the risk of the degenerative disorder rose by 3%, according to The Guardian.
Widespread health implications
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The findings contribute to a growing body of evidence regarding the physical consequences of auditory nuisance. The European Environment Agency reported last year that 110 million people across Europe suffer from high levels of noise pollution. This exposure is linked to 66,000 early deaths annually due to physiological stress and sleep disturbance, as well as heart disease, diabetes and depression, as reported by The Guardian.
Despite these risks, noise remains a poorly regulated issue. A 2023 report from the UK parliamentary science and technology committee described noise as a neglected pollutant that is poorly understood. While the US Noise Control Act of 1972 aimed to protect citizens from noise that jeopardises health, exposure to harmful levels remains widespread.
Inequality in noise exposure
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Noise pollution is not distributed equally across urban populations. A 2017 study in the US found that neighbourhoods with higher proportions of black or minority ethnic residents and poorer residents were measurably louder, as reported by The Guardian. Wealthier residents often have greater access to soundproofing for their homes.
Urban noise and local policy
In London, the Mayor has addressed different forms of auditory issues. Sir Sadiq Khan stated he is particularly sensitive to the misery caused by tube noise following complaints regarding metal wheels on tracks. However, the Mayor dismissed calls to challenge new pub and bar licences in central London, comparing the complaints to living in South Kensington and complaining about museums.
Complaining about nightlife when you choose to live in Soho is like living in South Kensington and complaining about the museums.
Sir Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London
Mitigation strategies used elsewhere include the installation of sound barriers and the use of quieter road surfacing. Engineering improvements and lower speed limits are cited as methods to reduce these health risks.
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