Getting disturbed by the sound of airplanes is not only annoying, it might be dangerous too. Researches found out that noise pollution from airports brings some serious risks for the neighbors.

High Blood Pressure

Exposure to loud noise from living under a flight path over a long period of time may increase the risk of developing high blood pressure or having a stroke, a new study suggests. The researchers examined 420 people who live near the Athens International Airport in Greece and found out that higher levels of noise pollution by aircrafts was associated with high blood pressure. This was especially the case at night.

The numbers are quite shocking: every additional 10 decibels of night-time aircraft noise appeared to result in a 69 percent increased risk of high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Even more worrisome is researchers also found a link between noise pollution and a heightened risk of a stroke.

Traffic noise

The researchers at the University of Athens also found that around half the participants (just under 45 percent) were exposed to more than 55 decibels of daytime aircraft noise, while around one in four (just over 27 percent ) were exposed to more than 45 decibels of night-time aircraft noise.

Only around one in 10 (11 percent) were exposed to significant flight traffic noise of more than 55 decibels. Between 2004 – 2006 and 2013, 71 people were newly diagnosed with high blood pressure and 44 were diagnosed with heart flutter (cardiac arrhythmia), while a further 18 had a heart attack, the researchers found.

Noise pollution by planes

Damn, it seems that noise pollution by planes is a big thing. And it is also safe to say that other noises, caused by traffic, for example, are also not good for your health. Maybe it is a good idea to check out the loudest cities or the loudest countries in the world and avoid these for longer periods of time…