Noise pollution linked to social inequality, shows Flemish citizen study
Noise pollution is not just an environmental problem, but also a matter of social inequality. Residents of flats or studios and lower-income households report significantly more nuisance, shows the citizen study “De Oorzaak” by the University of Antwerp, the UZA hospital and newspaper De Morgen, which was published on Saturday.
The results of the study also showed that road traffic is the dominant source of noise pollution. “In Antwerp, Ghent and Leuven, we measure noise levels that are often higher than the thresholds proposed by the researchers: 60 decibels for the average noise level over a whole day, evening and night, and 50 decibels for the night,” stated professor Cedric Vuye of the University of Antwerp.
People who are exposed to high levels of noise pollution are also more likely to suffer from health problems such as sleep deprivation and stress. Saliva analyses of a subgroup of Antwerp participants in the UZA health study showed that people with hyperacusis (sound sensitivity) have higher cortisol levels, a biological indicator of increased stress.
On a positive note, the study found that nature sounds are systematically perceived as positive. Participants who noticed nature sounds more often were more satisfied with their living environment.
“This confirms that investing in more green and quiet areas is not only ecologically or aesthetically valuable, but also contributes directly to health and well-being,” added researcher Jonas Lembrechts of the University of Antwerp.
The citizen study started at the end of 2023, and the results are now available almost two years later. In total, thousands of people participated in the study: 4,665 Flemish people took a “Sound Walk”, 10,138 people completed the “Great Sound Survey” and sound sensors recorded ambient sounds at 1,452 locations in Antwerp, Ghent and Leuven for six weeks. Around a hundred Antwerp residents took part in sleep and hearing research, and 128 citizens shared data from their smartwatches.
#FlandersNewsService | Illustration © PHOTO BELPRESS
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