Acoustics considerations are set to be shaped by influential new guidelines on the impact of environmental noise on human health and well-being.
New Environmental Noise Guidelines for the European Region were published by the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe this month (October) and will drive policy and guidance for the sector over the coming years.
The last revision to the guidelines took place almost 20 years ago, back in 1999.
For the first time, guidelines consider the impact of people’s leisure noise – nightclubs, live music or sporting events, pubs, fitness classes and listening to loud music through personal listening devices.
The WHO report says: ‘Noise is an important public health issue. It has negative impacts on human health and well-being and is a growing concern.
‘The main purpose of these guidelines is to provide recommendations for protecting human health from exposure to environmental noise originating from various sources: transportation (road traffic, railway and aircraft) noise, wind turbine noise and leisure noise. They provide robust public health advice underpinned by evidence, which is essential to drive policy action that will protect communities from the adverse effects of noise.’
In drawing up the guidelines, scientists have assessed the relationship between environmental noise and the following health outcomes: cardiovascular and metabolic effects; annoyance; effects on sleep; cognitive impairment; hearing impairment and tinnitus; adverse birth outcomes; and quality of life, mental health and well-being.
The guiding principles are reduce, promote, coordinate and involve:
• Reduce exposure to noise, while conserving quiet areas
• Promote interventions to reduce exposure to noise and improve health
• Coordinate approaches to control noise sources and other environmental health risks
• Inform and involve communities potentially affected by a change in noise exposure
Full details of the guidelines are available here
* In 2015, world leaders agreed to 17 goals for a better world by 2030. https://www.globalgoals.org/ These goals have the power to end poverty, fight inequality and stop climate change. Guided by the goals, it is now up to all of us, governments, businesses, civil society and the general public to work together to build a better future for everyone. Syntegra’s work is underpinned by many of the goals.
Goal 3, Good Health and Well-being aims to ensure healthy live and promote well-being for all at all ages.
Over the last 15 years, the number of childhood deaths has been cut in half. This proves that it is possible to win the fight against almost every disease. Still, we are spending an astonishing amount of money and resources on treating illnesses that are surprisingly easy to prevent. The new goal for worldwide Good Health promotes healthy lifestyles, preventive measures and modern, efficient healthcare for everyone.
Goal 3.9 REDUCE ILLNESSES AND DEATH FROM HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS AND POLLUTION
By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
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