Long-Term Exposure to Air and Noise Pollution Affects Blood Pressure

In the world’s largest study, long-term exposure to air pollution has been shown to be associated with a greater incidence of high blood pressure.

41,000 non-hypertensive participants living in 5 countries were assessed for 5 to 9 years, where 15% were found to develop hypertension or started on blood pressure-lowering medications during the follow-up period in later years. Researchers also found that for every 5 μg/m3 of PM2.5 (particulate matter ≤2.5 microns) present, the risk of hypertension increased by 22% for those living in the most polluted areas versus those in the least polluted areas. Higher soot concentration was also a risk factor.

Exposure to chronic traffic noise increased the risk of hypertension by 6% for those living on noisy streets with average noise levels of 50 decibels, as compared to those living on quieter streets with average noise levels of 40 decibels during the night.

Lastly, noise is thought to affect the functioning of both the nervous and hormonal systems.