Community noise and blood pressure- a review of recent Swedish studies on aircraft- and road traffic noise.

摘要

Community noise from road and aircraft traffic has become an important public health problem. Living close to airports and roads with heavy traffic has been suggested to increase the risk of developing hypertension, although the scientific evidence is limited. In a cross-sectional study around Stockholm-Arlanda airport adjusted prevalence odds ratio for hypertension was 1.6 (95% CI 1.0-2.5) among those with energy averaged aircraft noise levels above 55dB(A). There was no clear difference between men and women. Preliminary results from a recently finished Swedish study on 2.000 men, 45-66 years of age suggest an association between aircraft noise exposure among residents close to Stockholm-Arlanda airport and incidence of hypertension. In a study regarding road traffic noise from western Sweden, noise levels (L Laeq, 24h Aeq, 24h) above 60 dB was associated with an increased risk for hypertension among men. In a study of road traffic noise and high blood pressure in an urban municipality in Stockholm County, the odds ratio for hypertension was 1.38 (95% CI 1.06-1.80) per 5 dB(A) increase in noise exposure. The association appeared somewhat stronger among women. In conclusion these findings indicate an association between hypertension and road traffic noise as well as aircraft noise. The possible influence of gender on the results needs to be further investigated.