Europe's Loudest Cities Revealed: Is Your Home Affected?

An estimated 112 million people, approximately 20% of Europe's population, are exposed to excessive noise levels, posing significant health risks. Annual average sound levels exceeding 55 decibels during the day and 50 decibels at night are considered detrimental.

This pervasive noise pollution, primarily from transport, is linked to severe health consequences. The European Environment Agency reports an estimated 66,000 premature deaths annually due to transport noise. It also contributes to 50,000 new cardiovascular disease cases and 22,000 type 2 diabetes cases each year.

Children's well-being is also under threat, with transport noise contributing to over 560,000 cases of impaired reading comprehension, 63,000 behavioral problems, and 272,000 cases of childhood obesity in 2021.

Road traffic is the main culprit, affecting 92 million people, followed by railways (18 million) and air traffic (2.6 million). France is particularly affected, with over 20 million residents exposed to high street noise levels.

Luxembourg and Cyprus report the highest percentages of noise disturbance, with 62% and 58% of citizens affected, respectively. Conversely, Slovakia, Portugal, and Estonia are among the quietest countries, with Estonia having only 3% of its population exposed to dangerous night-time noise levels.

Progress in reducing noise pollution has been slow, with only a 3% decrease in annoyance from transport noise between 2017 and 2022, falling short of the 2030 target to reduce it by 30%.

Noise pollution also impacts wildlife and protected natural areas. At least 29% of Natura 2000 sites are affected by noise detrimental to wildlife. Marine areas like the English Channel and the Adriatic Sea show high underwater noise exposure.

To combat this, the EEA recommends measures to reduce noise at the source, such as regulating vehicle emissions, reducing urban speed limits, and promoting quieter aircraft technologies.