Traffic Noise Linked to Higher Risk of Suicide

The association of transportation noise with suicide in Switzerland has been analyzed from data from 5.1 million adults present in the national cohort from 2001 to 2015 in a new study published in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Health Perspectives.

The observed results in this study were strong even after adjusting for air pollution exposure, the amount of greenness around the home, and multiple socio-economic indicators.

Overview Suicide
Suicide is an act of ending one's own life and it usually results from emotional isolations and inability to adjust and cope with one's environment.

‘The health impacts of transportation noise, air pollution, and greenness need to be considered in urban planning and public health policies.’

Tweet it Now

Mental health disorders affect nearly one billion people worldwide and are a leading cause of suicide. In Switzerland, it is estimated that about 1.4 million people are affected by mental health issues and that approximately 1,000 people take their lives every year.

Environmental factors such as air pollution or noise have been linked to adverse health effects such as cardiovascular diseases and general well-being. However, robust evidence on the effects of transportation noise on mental health disorders remains scarce.

For the first time, researchers found that exposure to transportation noise at home was linked to a higher risk of death by suicide. With every 10 dB increase in average road traffic noise at home, the risk for suicides rises by 4%. An association with railway noise was also observed, although less pronounced.

Noise: A Constant Stressor for Mental Health

Researchers used suicides as an indicator for mental health disorders as we do not have robust Swiss data on mental health diagnoses such as depression or anxiety. Noise increases the mental load, contributing to the development of mental disorders or worsening of pre-existing conditions.

Hope on the Horizon With Declining Suicide Rates in Europe
A recent study analyzed suicide rates in 38 European countries from 2011 to 2019 and found that 15 countries saw a decline, while others remained stable.

The biological mechanisms by which noise impacts mental health include sleep disturbance, increased levels of stress hormones, changes in brain function, or a sense of loss of control. The brain registers noise as a sign of a potential threat and activates a ‘fight-or-flight’ response. Constant transportation noise at your home can make you agitated and unable to cope with stress.

Researchers compared the data obtained with noise exposure data from transportation sources including road traffic, railways, and aircraft. The noise exposure data were available for all households in 2001 and 2011 and were assigned to the study participants based on their place of residence.

Noise Reduction Measures Pay Off for Suicide Risk

The study highlights the importance of addressing the health impacts of transportation noise, air pollution, and greenness in urban planning and public health policies. It also adds to the growing body of evidence that chronic exposure to transportation noise impacts our physical and mental well-being.

Rise in Attempted Suicides During the Pandemic
A recent study says that there was a sharp incline in attempted suicides during the pandemic among teens.

This also study demonstrates that noise reduction measures such as speed limits, lighter vehicles, low-noise road pavement, and tires pay off.

Bullying Victimization on the Rise Among Gay Adolescents
Adolescents who reported their sexual identity as bisexual, gay, lesbian, or ‘not sure’ had similarly increased odds of being bullied compared to heterosexual peers.

Source-Eurekalert