Link between traffic and heart disease

A group of scientists from Imperial College London studied the link between noise pollution and biological markers in the blood, that might cause heart disease in the future. Their research found evidence of a correlation between traffic noise and an increase in the risk of cardiovascular problems. The team studied 144,000 adults from Norway and the Netherlands. The scientists compared the levels of air pollution and traffic-related noise to individuals’ levels of blood biological markers.

Participants’ blood was tested for a number of markers, such as C-reactive protein, which indicates inflammation. C-reactive protein is caused by stress and has been linked with cardiovascular disease.

The researchers also studied people’s lifestyle factors, looking at their smoking, alcohol consumption and employment status, and considered these in relation to their findings. 

The data, which the scientists collected, found that an increase of just 5 decibels was linked to 0.3 per cent higher blood sugar levels.
The study also found that C-reactive protein (CRP) levels increased by 2.6 per cent when nitrogen dioxide from cars emissions increased by 10 micrograms per cubic metre of air.

While it can be difficult to differentiate between the individual effects of noise and traffic pollution, the study concluded that both should be considered as part of a wider public health policy. The researchers also found a link between noise pollution and conditions, such as insomnia and stress.