High levels of noise from traffic or neighbours could be the death of you, a new study has warned. A group of European scientists investigating the health impact of noise pollution said long-term exposure could account for 3 percent of fatalities from strokes and heart attacks, a TV channel reported.
Deepak Prasher, professor of audiology said, "Until now, noise has been the Cinderella form of pollution and people have not been aware it has an impact on their health. New data provides a link showing there are earlier deaths because of noise.
"Given that seven million people around the world die each year from heart disease, the toll from exposure to noise could be about 210,000", he added.
The latest World Health Organisation (WHO) data links noise pollution, which has been shown to raise blood pressure with death.
It follows a survey in May commissioned by the National Society for Clean Air in the UK, which said noise had a "major impact" on 45 percent of respondents - up from 35 percent a year earlier. As well as the projections for deaths from heart disease the WHO study suggests that 2 percent suffer sleep disruption and at least 15 percent suffer severe annoyance.
Research has suggested 20 percent of Europeans live in areas polluted by high noise. Professor Prasher said people should avoid living in areas where noise levels exceed 75 decibels because that can effect a person's immune system and heart and lead to hypertension.
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