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Noise pollution refers to human-created sound that is intrusive, disruptive, or potentially harmful.

Research has associated prolonged exposure to noise with elevated stress levels, sleep disruption, reduced concentration and productivity, hypertension, depression, and hearing loss. In children, studies have linked chronic noise exposure to slowed learning and impaired academic performance.

Government agencies, public health organizations, and scientific research have documented the effects of noise pollution on public health.

Fundamentals

Sound Measurement
Decibels (dB) measure sound intensity on a logarithmic scale, with noise levels ranging from barely audible sounds to levels capable of causing hearing damage. A-weighted (dBA) and C-weighted (dBC) measurements are used to assess human hearing sensitivity and low-frequency sound energy.

Public Health Agencies and Organizations

World Health Organization
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified environmental noise as a significant public health concern associated with sleep disturbance, cardiovascular effects, hearing impairment, reduced performance, and other adverse outcomes. Its 1999 and 2018 guidelines provide recommendations for protecting communities from harmful noise exposure.

Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has long recognized excessive and chronic noise as a public health concern associated with hearing loss, sleep disturbance, communication interference, stress, and other adverse effects. EPA guidance established recommended community noise levels intended to protect public health and welfare.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The CDC and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) identify noise exposure as a leading preventable cause of hearing loss. Their guidance emphasizes the cumulative risks of repeated exposure to loud sound and prevention through reducing exposure and protecting hearing.

National Institutes of Health
Research supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has linked environmental noise exposure to sleep disruption, physiological stress, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Nighttime noise can trigger stress responses even without conscious awakening.

European Environment Agency
The European Environment Agency (EEA) identifies environmental noise, particularly from road traffic, as a widespread public health problem linked to sleep disturbance, annoyance, and cardiovascular disease. Its assessments track noise exposure across Europe and emphasize prevention through planning, enforcement, and noise reduction at the source.

United Nations
United Nations agencies, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), have identified environmental noise as an emerging urban health issue associated with sleep disruption, environmental stress, and reduced quality of life.

Research

Noise and Children’s Learning
A landmark 1975 study by Arline L. Bronzaft and Dennis McCarthy found that children exposed to persistent elevated-train noise at a New York City school had lower reading scores than students in quieter classrooms. Subsequent noise-abatement measures were followed by improved reading performance in the affected classrooms.