Nightingale, a 19th-century British nurse and social activist, once said: “Unnecessary noise is the most annoying.” She believed that unnecessary sound could cause distress, sleep deprivation and affect patients’ health. Loud noise activates the amygdala in the brain, causing the release of the stress hormone cortisol, which causes high blood pressure. In the neonatal intensive care unit, noise can cause high blood pressure, faster heart rate and disrupted sleep.
Noise pollution significantly impacts human health, both physiologically and psychologically:
Physiological Effects
- Hearing Damage: Prolonged exposure to high-intensity noise can damage hearing, potentially leading to hearing loss or even deafness. This risk is particularly high in industrial environments or areas with heavy traffic.
- Cardiovascular Diseases: Noise can cause increased blood pressure and heart rate, leading to long-term cardiovascular problems such as hypertension and heart disease. Studies have shown that the incidence of cardiovascular diseases is higher among people living near airports or busy roads with high noise levels.
- Sleep Disturbances: Noise interferes with normal sleep patterns, causing insomnia and reduced sleep quality. Insufficient sleep affects the body’s repair and immune functions, and chronic sleep disturbances increase the risk of various diseases.
- Endocrine Disruption: Continuous noise exposure triggers stress responses in the body, leading to endocrine system disruptions. This can affect hormone secretion, such as cortisol and adrenaline, impacting metabolism and immune function.
Psychological Effects
- Anxiety and Depression: Persistent noise increases psychological stress, leading to anxiety, irritability, and depression. Residents in areas with severe noise pollution often have poorer mental health.
- Decreased Attention: Noise disrupts attention and cognitive functions, reducing learning and work efficiency. Prolonged exposure to noisy environments can result in fatigue and slowed thinking.
- Social Behavior Problems: Noise affects interpersonal communication and interaction, causing social behavior issues such as communication difficulties and strained relationships. Long-term exposure to noise can make individuals more reclusive and irritable.
- Lower Life Satisfaction: Noise pollution reduces quality of life and satisfaction, impacting family life and community harmony. People living in areas with severe noise pollution often experience lower happiness and life satisfaction.
In summary, noise pollution has significant adverse effects on both physiological and psychological health. Implementing effective measures to reduce noise pollution is crucial for protecting human health.
