How noise pollution from planes, trains and automobiles can harm human health

By Emily Kwong,

Berly McCoy, Rebecca Ramirez

Published July 5, 2024 at 9:31 AM EDT

Noise pollution from human activities can have negative impacts on our health—from sleep disturbances and stress to increases in the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

When's the last time you were in a place that was quiet — really quiet? No roadway noise, construction work or even the hum of a refrigerator. Our world is full of sounds, some of which are harming our health. The World Health Organization says "noise is an underestimated threat." Today, host Emily Kwong talks to health reporter Joanne Silberner about those health costs, what is too loud and some of the history of legislation to limit noise pollution in the United States.

Read Joanne's full article in Undark Magazine here.

Curious about other health stories? Email us at shortwave@npr.org.

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Today's episode was produced by Berly McCoy and Rachel Carlson. It was edited by Rebecca Ramirez, who checked the facts along with Berly. Kwesi Lee was the audio engineer.