Longitudinal surveys on effects of changes in road traffic noise - annoyance, activity disturbances, and psycho-social well-being

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Longitudinal surveys on effects of changes in road traffic noise - annoyance, activity disturbances, and psycho-social well-being

Öhrström, E.

The aim of the present longitudinal study was to assess various presumed long-term health effects -especially in terms of psychological and physiological well-being- of road traffic noise and the effects of changes in noise exposure on (1) annoyance, (2) activity disturbances indoors and outdoors, (3) sleep quality, (4) psychological and physiological well-being, and (5) perception and use of the living environment. It is concluded from these long-term investigations before and after extensive changes in road traffic that exposure to a high amount of road traffic induces adverse effects, not only in terms of annoyance and disturbance of daily activities indoors and outdoors, but also in terms of lower psycho-social well-being. It is suggested that both noise and other pollutants from road traffic contribute to these effects. To be able to use the outdoor environment and to have the possibility to keep windows open is essential for general well-being and daily behaviour and this implies that access to both a quiet indoor and outdoor section of the residency is of importance for achievement of a healthy sound environment. For the creation of healthier sound environments, the simultaneous knowledge of long-term health consequences of exposure to noise and pollutants from road traffic and further studies are needed. These studies could, preferably, be performed in connection with traffic mitigation and should focus more on 'softer' health outcomes and well-being than hitherto and not only on 'traditional' medical outcomes.