What are the mental health effects of traffic noise in Lucknow?

Long-term traffic noise exposure can lead to increased anxiety, depression, stress, and reduced quality of life, according to a KGMU study.

How does noise pollution affect drivers according to the KGMU study?

The KGMU study found that drivers, particularly tempo drivers exposed to higher noise levels, reported higher rates of anxiety and depression and lower overall well-being.

Is traffic noise a public health issue?

Yes, experts state that noise pollution, with traffic contributing significantly to urban noise, should be treated as a serious public health issue, not just an environmental one.

Home / Health / Traffic Noise Harms More Than Ears, Study Finds

Traffic Noise Harms More Than Ears, Study Finds

21 Jan

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Summary

Long-term traffic noise exposure negatively impacts mental health.
Tempo drivers showed higher rates of anxiety and depression.
Noise pollution is a serious public health issue, not just environmental.

Traffic Noise Harms More Than Ears, Study Finds

A recent study by KGMU's community medicine department has uncovered the detrimental effects of long-term traffic noise exposure on mental health and overall well-being.

The research, published in 'Noise and Health', examined 300 drivers, distinguishing between those exposed to high traffic noise (tempo drivers) and lower exposure (car drivers).

Results indicated that tempo drivers experienced significantly higher rates of moderate to severe anxiety and depression. They also reported lower physical health, psychological well-being, and environmental comfort.

Furthermore, tempo drivers exhibited higher systolic blood pressure, with researchers warning of increased heart disease risk due to noise-related stress. The study also noted higher tobacco and alcohol use among tempo drivers, possibly as coping mechanisms.

This investigation underscores that traffic noise, contributing 78% of urban pollution, poses a serious public health threat beyond just hearing impairment, affecting drivers, traffic police, and roadside workers.

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