Noise in society: A public health problem?

Abstract

Noise pollution is an ever-increasing problem in modern technological society. It is well documented that repeated exposure to even moderate levels of noise can be injurious to health, but often unappreciated are the more pervasive physiological and psychological effects. This review examines the questions of noise pollution and its effects on mental health, and its relation to chronic sleep disorders and to cardiovascular problems. Although contradictions abound in the literature, it seems clear that physiological and psychological adaptation to prolonged noise exposure does not occur. In view of these issues, the question of how the community should respond to noise exposure is discussed.