Reducing cardiovascular health impacts from traffic-related noise and air pollution: intervention strategies

Abstract

Recent studies suggest that exposure to both traffic-related air pollution (TrAP) and to road traffic noise (RTN) are independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). While the exact pathophysiologic mechanisms are not known, plausible biological models exist for both associations. This paper describes interventions and mitigating measures aimed at reducing both air and noise pollution emitted from traffic. Nine types of interventions are examined within the four strategic themes of (i) land-use planning and transportation management, (ii) reduction of vehicle emissions, (iii) modification of existing structures, and (iv) behavioral change. Not all interventions result in concomitant reductions of air and noise pollutant exposures. Most interventions that rely on a scientific basis to reduce CVD are directed at reducing TrAP. Interventions identified with the greatest potential benefits focus on the pollutant source, such as reductions in traffic volume and air pollutant emissions, and are more easily realized, and likely cheaper, if they are considered in the land-use planning stages with less reliance on behavioral changes.

Noise Effects on Health in the Context of Air Pollution Exposure

“…Interventions that limit both air pollution and noise would be most beneficial but not all interventions are equally effective for both exposures and some interventions for road traffic may reduce one exposure at the expense of another [ 42 ]. Curran et al suggest that two strategies of increasing separation between vehicles and the residential population and reducing the overall volume of vehicles are the most effective strategies for reducing both pollutants but changes in fuel, vehicle speed or driver behavior may have more diverse effects reducing one pollutant while increasing the other because the sources of each pollutant within the vehicle differ [ 43 ]. Interventions that tackle the exposures at source are generally more effective than interventions that modify the conditions of the receiver, such as sound insulation.…”

“…Interventions that tackle the exposures at source are generally more effective than interventions that modify the conditions of the receiver, such as sound insulation. Land use planning, incorporating strategies to reduce overall individual vehicle use may ultimately be most effective in reducing both noise and air pollution [ 43 ].…”

Spatial modelling and inequalities of environmental noise in Accra, Ghana

“…Noise levels in Accra were positively associated with traffic-related variables, particularly major roads (highways, motorways), similar to previous LUR studies in North America ( Fallah-Shorshani et al, 2018 ; Liu et al, 2020 ; Ragettli et al, 2016 ; Walker et al, 2017 ), Europe ( Aguilera et al, 2015 ; Alam et al, 2017 ), Asia and the Middle East ( Chang et al, 2019 ; Harouvi et al, 2018 ; Wang et al, 2016 ), and South Africa ( Sieber et al, 2017 ). Multi-lane and higher-speed roads can facilitate higher traffic volumes, and attract a fleet composition with a higher percentage of heavy vehicles that can produce higher noise levels in these areas ( Curran et al, 2013 ). The mechanisms by which motor vehicles generate noise is multi-faceted ( Kang, 2017a ) and include engine sounds, tire contact with the road and driver behavior such as honking ( Vijay et al, 2015 ).…”

“…The mechanisms by which motor vehicles generate noise is multi-faceted ( Kang, 2017a ) and include engine sounds, tire contact with the road and driver behavior such as honking ( Vijay et al, 2015 ). Thus, interventions to reduce road-traffic noise can take on many forms, including vehicle emissions reduction (e.g., modifications to engines and tire materials), land use planning and transport management (e.g., separation between roads and buildings), the modification or creation of structures such as noise barriers or green vegetation ( Curran et al, 2013 ; Kang, 2017a ), and behavioral change interventions (e.g., ban on horns/honking) ( Ali and Tamura, 2003 ; Gettleman, 2020 ; Vijay et al, 2015 ). In Accra, it was estimated that 20% of roads are still unpaved, particularly in the poorer neighborhoods ( ASIRT, 2014 ); thus modifying pavement material ( Curran et al, 2013 ; Donavan, 2005 ) could potentially reduce some road-transport noise, particularly on higher-speed roads ( Eurocities, 2015 ).…”

What role for environmental public health practitioners in promoting healthy built environments?

“…13 Bans on smoking in public places throughout North America have lowered public exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.…”