1 in 5 Europeans exposed to noise pollution

According to the European Environment Agency (EEA) excessive noise can cause physical and mental illness and is associated with higher levels of heart disease, stress and sleeplessness. New research from the EEA has found that 1 in 5 Europeans is exposed to harmful levels of noise pollution. Wildlife is also affected, noise pollution has been found to damage birds’ ability to communicate even resulting in preventing them from mating.

The EEA note that road traffic is the single biggest cause of noise pollution in urban areas. Researchers believe that it is essential to work with town planners to prevent noise pollution, increasing the number of electric vehicles whilst decreasing the amount of traditional diesel and petrol vehicles. Encouraging more walking and cycling, introducing traffic management, reducing speed limits, resurfacing roads with better, smoother asphalt and at the same time encouraging more urban parks and greenspace.