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United Nations agencies, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), have identified environmental noise as an emerging urban environmental health issue, particularly in rapidly growing cities.

In its 2022 Frontiers: Noise, Blazes and Mismatches report, UNEP devoted a chapter to urban noise pollution and its effects on human health and well-being. The report identifies transportation, construction, industry, and other sources of prolonged urban noise as contributors to harmful sound environments.

UNEP reports that long-term exposure to excessive noise can contribute to sleep disturbance, chronic annoyance, hearing impairment, and poorer mental health, while also increasing the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. These effects make environmental noise more than a quality-of-life issue and place it within the broader context of public health.

The report also emphasizes the role of urban planning in reducing noise exposure. Measures such as green spaces, vegetation, quieter transportation systems, and thoughtful building and street design can help reduce harmful noise while creating healthier urban soundscapes.

UNEP’s assessment reflects growing international recognition that environmental noise should be addressed through public policy, urban planning, and prevention at the source.