Road noise can expand waistlines, cause strokes and heart disease
Researchers at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine in partnership with Imperial College London and King's College London have found that long-term exposure to moderately loud or very loud traffic sounds during the daytime — the kind you'd experience after months to years of city dwelling — contributed to the risk of a shorter life expectancy.
"In this study, we observed that the risk of death from any cause was increased by 4% in areas with noise level over 60 decibels when compared to quieter areas," said study co-author Jaana Halonen. "Risk of death from ischemic heart disease was also increased by 3% in adults and 4% in the elderly in areas with daytime noise levels of 55-60 decibels, when compared to areas with noise levels under 55 decibels."