Traffic noise and air pollution are two major environmental factors that contribute significantly to the development of various health problems. Off the tops of our heads, most of us could easily agree that having a horn blaring from a short distance away, and breathing in toxic fumes couldn’t exactly be beneficial to health. Now, we have research that confirms that. A new study conducted by the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) has established a link between road traffic noise and air pollution with an increased risk of hypertension.
Traffic Pollution
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No, the noise isn’t harmless
The study was conducted in Glasgow, where researchers analyzed data from various areas across the city. The heaviness of traffic in each region was noted, and the number of hypertension cases developing in the same region was also noted.
The study found that exposure to road traffic noise was associated with an increased risk of hypertension. Similarly, exposure to air pollution was associated with an increased risk of hypertension. The two risk factors also worked synergistically to produce an even greater risk of hypertension.
Possible causes of hypertension associated with road traffic noise and air pollution could be due to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which can lead to the narrowing of blood vessels and an increase in blood pressure. Furthermore, exposure to traffic noise and air pollution can cause oxidative stress and inflammation, which can damage blood vessels and contribute to hypertension.
Read Also: Air Pollution in Cities Responsible for Nearly Two Million Excess Deaths Worldwide Annually
Mr. Wisdom Adza, a Ph.D. scholar at UWS and the lead researcher of the paper believes it is time governments all over the world place sustainable and healthy housing as a major part of their health policies. He believes traffic noise should be universally recognized as a major risk factor for hypertension in particular and heart disease in general.
The study was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. It is the latest in the growing body of literature exploring the links between environmental quality and immediate, second, and even third-order health effects.
Clinical significance
Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, hypertension affects around 1.13 billion people worldwide and is responsible for 7.5 million deaths annually. The study’s findings highlight the need for policies and strategies to reduce exposure to both road traffic noise and air pollution, particularly in urban areas.
Read Also: Study Finds Link Between Air Pollution and Gastrointestinal Disorders
Conclusion
The world we live in is rapidly urbanizing. It is our responsibility to create cleaner, healthier spaces where people can exist in harmony with the environment. It is a responsibility we owe both to ourselves and to the generations yet unborn.
References
Exploring the Joint Association of Road Traffic Noise and Air Quality with Hypertension Using QGIS
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