Optimizing Airport Flight Patterns Take a Toll on Human Health: Study

Case study on LaGuardia Airport shows increased noise can pose health threats including cardiovascular disease to communities underneath, according to a new study conducted at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health and Queens Quiet //Skies. The researchers used flights from LaGuardia airport that have historically flown over Flushing Meadows and the U.S. Tennis Center in Queens - known as the TNNIS route -- as a case study to explore the trade-offs between more efficient flight routes and suffering on the ground. The findings appear in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

"Airports in the U.S. have gradually been transitioning to automated flight systems," said Peter Muenning, MD, professor of Health Policy and Management at the Mailman School. "These systems generate new flight paths over populated areas.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss - Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention
Noise-induced hearing loss is the hearing impairment that occurs due to noise exposure. Noise-related hearing loss is also listed among occupational illnesses.

‘The increased noise associated with the novel flight patterns potentially poses serious health threats to nearby communities -- including cardiovascular disease and anxiety disorder as consequences of noise.’

Tweet it Now

The year-round use of 'TNNIS Climb' at La Guardia implemented in 2012 was a result of flight automation in New York City. No environmental assessment or environmental impact statement was ever performed on the route.

"Flights from LaGuardia airport have historically flown over Flushing Meadows in Queens," noted Muennig, who also leads Global Research Analytics for Population Health at Columbia.

"During U.S. Open tennis matches, the residents of certain neighborhoods in Queens had to endure heavy airplane traffic over their homes, but it only lasted a few weeks. Now, they have to contend with it year-round."

Anxiety Screening Test
Are you anxious to know your anxiety level? Use Medindia’s Anxiety Screening Test, a simple online screening test for anxiety symptoms.

The researchers compared the costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained associated with reverting to pre-2012 flight patterns seen prior to the year-round use of TNNIS. The TNNIS climb increased airplane noise to above 60dB over some of the most densely populated areas of the city.

"Our study focuses on health and economic impacts of a single flight route as a result of flight automation, however, our analysis uses inputs that may be generalizable to other settings," observed Muenning. "The results point to the strong need for careful study of public health impacts of such changes before they are implemented."

Test your Knowledge on Heart Healthy Diet
Heart disease is the leading cause of death - it claims more lives than all forms of cancer combined. Eating right is an important step towards preventing heart disease. In addition to regular physical activity, being careful about what you eat can help lower cholesterol, control blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and maintain a healthy weight. A heart-healthy diet can reduce the risk of heart attack by 80%. Changing the overall eating pattern is important than obsessing over a single food. Incorporate a variety of healthy foods prepared in healthy ways to prevent and manage heart disease.

Source-Eurekalert

Noise Pollution Created by Humans 'Pervasive' in US Protected Areas
Even plants can be indirectly affected by noise pollution if herbivorous or rodents that disperse plant seeds alter their behaviour or location.