The Story Why too much noise is damaging our health - the Sunday Story
Dec 7, 2025
Noise pollution is more dangerous than we think, linked to nearly 1,000 premature deaths in the UK alone. Urbanization increases exposure to harmful sounds from traffic and aircraft, raising stress levels and cardiovascular risks. Surprisingly, even low-level noise disrupts sleep without waking us. Various noise-reduction strategies are discussed, from electric vehicles to urban sound design. The need for soothing sounds like nature's music is emphasized to promote mental health and create healthier, quieter cities.
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Modern Cities Amplify Constant Noise
- Urban living has made everyday domestic and transport noise a constant public-health hazard.
- Charlotte Clark links dense living and urbanisation to increased daily noise exposure and health disturbance.
Noise Is A Measurable Public-Health Burden
- Long-term road, rail and aircraft noise expose millions and raise health risks across the UK.
- Noise now accounts for about 1.1% of premature mortality across Europe according to recent estimates.
Noise Triggers Stress Pathways In The Brain
- The ear sends sound to the amygdala, triggering fight-or-flight responses that raise blood pressure and stress hormones.
- Repeated activation accelerates inflammation, arterial hardening, and metabolic changes linked to heart disease.
