Road traffic noise frequency and prevalent hypertension in Taichung, Taiwan: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundEpidemiological studies have reported the association between hypertension and exposure to road traffic noise, but the association between noise frequency characteristics is not clear. This study investigated the association between exposure to different frequency components of road traffic noise and the prevalence of hypertension in central Taiwan.MethodsWe recruited 820 residents living near main roads for more than 3 years. Frequency components of traffic noise and traffic flow rates during 0900–1700 on weekdays were measured simultaneously in 2008. Multiple logistic regressions were conducted to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for diagnosed hypertension, adjusting for potential confounders and the total traffic flow rate.ResultsThe high-exposure group (≥ the median of noise levels [decibels, dB]) at 63 Hz, 125 Hz and 1000 Hz had ORs for hypertension of 2.77 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17-6.52), 4.08 (95% CI: 1.57-10.63) and 1.98 (1.00-3.92) (95% CI: 1.00-3.92), respectively, compared to the low-exposure group (< the median of noise levels [dB]). There was an increasing trend in the prevalence of hypertension by exposure to road traffic noise at 63, 125 and 1000 Hz in all subjects and in men. Total subjects exposed to ≥ 51 dB at 125 Hz had an OR of 4.65 (95% CI = 1.46-14.83) compared to those exposed to < 47 dB.ConclusionsWith the possible bias of exposure misclassification and a bias from using diagnosed hypertension, these results suggest that exposure to road traffic noise at low and hearing-sensitive frequencies may be associated with hypertension and exposure to noise at 125 Hz may have the greatest risk for hypertension.

Spatial and temporal determinants of A-weighted and frequency specific sound levels—An elastic net approach

“…However, a sound’s frequency is the second component necessary to fully characterize sound. Existing epidemiological and occupational research suggests that in addition to a sound’s loudness, its frequency profile is also an important characteristic to consider when assessing the relationship between noise and health outcomes (Persson Waye et al, 2003; Kumer et al, 2008; Chang et al, 2014; Walker et al 2016).…”

The Influence of Low-Frequency Noise Pollution on the Quality of Life and Place in Sustainable Cities: A Case Study from Northern Portugal

“…The most cited effects on human health refer to emotional changes, namely agitation, distraction, disappointment, stress, hypertension [7,[16][17][18] and the association of low-frequency noise with cognitive impairments [19], the development of cardiovascular diseases [20,21], disturbances in sleep and heart rate [22][23][24] and hypertension [25,26].…”

Perda auditiva em trabalhadores do transporte urbano na Região Metropolitana de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil

“…Em um estudo transversal que focalizou amostra probabilística de 4.300 motoristas rodoviários da cidade de Isfahan, Irã, a pressão arterial não apresentou significância estatística com a perda auditiva induzida por ruído 21 . Considerando as características de frequência do ruído, no grupo de habitantes de domicílios de uma área circulada por rodovias de tráfego e ruído intensos da cidade de Taichung, Taiwan, evidenciou-se associação positiva entre hipertensão arterial e baixos níveis de frequência quando comparado à população exposta a maiores níveis de frequência do ruído 28 .…”