Abstract
The proposed effect of road traffic noise on hypertension and ischemic
heart disease finds mixed empirical support. One problem with many
studies is that the directions of the causal relationships are not
identified. This is often the case when cross-sectional data and
multivariate regression models are utilised. The aim of the study
was to explore the relationship between road traffic noise and health.
More specifically the relationships between noise complaints, noise
sensitivity and subjectively reported hypertension and heart problems
were investigated. 1842 respondents in Oslo, Norway were interviewed
about their experience of the local environment and their subjective
health complaints. The interviews were conducted as part of two surveys.
Individual measures of air pollution (NO2) and noise (Lden) were
calculated. The data were analysed using Structural Equation Models.
Only sensitivity to noise is related to hypertension and chest pain.
No relationships between noise exposure and health complaints were
identified. Rather than noise being the causal agent leading to health
problems, the results suggest that the noise–health relationships
in these studies may be spurious. It is conceivable that individual
vulnerability is reflected both in ill health and in being sensitive
to noise. The benefit of including more contextual variables in a
model of noise–health relationships is supported.
Users
Please
log in to take part in the discussion (add own reviews or comments).