Qualitative Assessment of Links Between Exposure to Noise and Air Pollution and Socioeconomic Status

Abstract

The health impacts of exposure to noise and air pollution are well-documented, however socioeconomic status (SES) can be a determinant in exposure, while at the same time influencing both individual susceptibility and resilience. The scope of the work presented here was undertaken under a specific contract to the European Environment Agency (EEA) to provide an assessment that may be directly incorporated into EEA's 2018 report exploring the linkages between SES in Europe and exposure to air and noise pollution, as well as to climate-related impacts. More specifically, this research builds on the findings of the 2016 Science for Environment Policy (SEP) report (http://ec.europa.eu/scienceenvironment-policy) and provides an updated qualitative review of the latest evidence and state of knowledge regarding the role of SES in determining exposure, susceptibility and vulnerability to air pollution and noise, documenting research that explores the multiple factors and drivers that can lie behind these linkages. This review has identified and synthesised evidence from a wide range of sources in response to the objectives set by the EEA and covers evidence relating to at least 18 of the EEA-33 countries. The review has identified that there is extensive evidence on the health effects of exposure to noise and air pollution and an increasing body of evidence to suggest that effects may be disproportionately experienced, and even exacerbated by, those in lower SES groups; however, the review also highlights key knowledge gaps, and areas for future research are presented.

Examining the Burden of Disease and its Relationship to Socioeconomic Status From Environmental Noise Exposure in Toronto and London, Ontario

“…Another aim of this study was to investigate whether there are any inequalities in exposure to environmental noise pollution, low socioeconomic status and the burden of disease in the two study area cities. Although the linkages between noise exposure and low SES have been recognized (Cesaroni et al, 2010;Bocquier et al, 2013;Dale et al, 2015;Casey et al, 2017;Barnes et al, 2018), relatively few studies have explored the relationship between exposure to noise, low SES and health together. By exploring the burden of disease from environmental noise pollution, this research will aim to identify if there is any difference in how noise is managed in a large Canadian city, Toronto, and a smaller city, London.…”

“…However, North American cities were designed with the car in mind, which could be why these studies found a different relationship between noise and socioeconomic status (Noland, 2009). Additionally, wealthier citizens who live in noisy areas have the ability to purchase noise mitigation technology to reduce the amount of noise in their homes (Barnes et al, 2018). While low socioeconomic status individuals lack the ability to purchases noise mitigation technology to help reduce exposure to noise in their home (Baum et al, 1999).…”

Exploring links between road traffic noise, air quality and public health using DPSEAA conceptual framework: a review and perspective for a UK environmental health tracking system (EHTS)

“…According to statutory requirements (Barnes et al, 2018b), the UK Government leads on the UK's input to International and European legislation relating to air quality, with input from the Scottish Government, and the other devolved administrations. Linking to the requirements of the EU Directives, the latest Air Quality Strategy published in July 2007 (DEFRA, 2007) established the framework for air quality improvements across the UK.…”

The Effect of Land-Use Categories on Traffic Noise Annoyance

“…Socioeconomic status (SES) can also be a determinant of exposure. At the same time, SES is influencing both individual susceptibility and resilience [ 13 ].…”