Aircraft noise could 'cause stroke and heart disease'

Noise pollution caused by aircraft can increase the risks of being admitted to hospital with stroke, circulatory disease and heart problems, according to a new study. Researchers from Imperial College London and King's College London have found that both night and day-time noise pollution from aircraft going overhead can increase the chances of hospitalisation for a number of illnesses.

Researches compared mortality rates and hospital admissions to instances of aircraft noise throughout the area surrounding Heathrow airport. In total some 3.6 million live within the area and are affected by aircraft noise. It was found that in areas that are subjected to higher levels of noise, the chance of hospitalisation or death was increased by between ten and 20 per cent, in comparison to areas with lower aircraft noise levels.

The study, published in the 'British Medical Journal', suggests that the aircraft noise is a possible contributing factor to these higher rates of illness and death. While previous studies have linked noise pollution to high blood pressure, very few have looked into the possibility that it can increase the risks of heart disease, circulatory disease and stroke. The researchers said that although their findings suggest a possible link, more work is needed into the exact relationship between noise pollution and these health issues.  

A total of 12 London Boroughs were included in the study, as well as nine areas outside of the capital where aircraft noise is recorded as being higher than 50 decibels. Each place that was included in the study was split into one of 12,110 smaller areas, which each included around 300 individuals. 

Noise levels that were recorded by the Civil Aviation Authority in 2001 were used for the study and were compared to death rates and hospital admissions from 2001 to 2005. Socioeconomic factors were also taken into account for each of the areas, along with the average state of health for the people living within them. 

Doctor Anna Hansell, from Imperial College London and lead author of the study, said: "These findings suggest a possible link between high levels of aircraft noise and risk of heart disease and stroke. The exact role that noise exposure may play in ill health is not well established. However, it is plausible that it might be contributing - for example, by raising blood pressure or by disturbing people's sleep."