1 minute read / October 26, 2026
A large proportion of the European population is exposed to levels of noise — from road, rail and air traffic — that can adversely affect health.
The health impacts of transport noise extend well beyond annoyance. Chronic exposure disrupts sleep and activates the body’s stress response. This can trigger physiological processes such as oxidative stress, inflammation and hormonal dysregulation. Over time, these mechanisms can contribute to the development and progression of a wide range of adverse health outcomes, including:
Transport noise affects everyone, but its health impacts are not distributed equally. Some population groups experience greater health effects because they are more susceptible to noise. At the same time, other groups are more likely to be exposed or have fewer resources to avoid or cope with its impacts.
Understanding inequalities in the health burden of transport noise therefore requires consideration of both vulnerability and exposure.
