Road traffic noise linked to higher Parkinson’s risk in large study
7 reported2 unconfirmed
A large study published in Jama Neurology has found that long-term exposure to road traffic noise is associated with a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease. The study included 3.1 million Danish participants aged 40 and over and followed them for 18 years, using nationwide health register data. Researchers found that for every 11.5dB rise in noise level at the most exposed side of a home, the risk of Parkinson’s disease rose by 3% over the study period. Having a quiet part of the home may reduce this association, according to the findings. The study is one of the first to link noise pollution to Parkinson’s disease, as previous research focused on environmental toxins such as air pollution, microplastics, and pesticides. Experts not involved in the study noted that noise is likely a general stressor rather than a specific risk factor, and that the study design does not prove causation.
What’s reported
The study included 3.1 million Danish participants aged 40 and over, followed for 18 years.
For every 11.5dB increase in road traffic noise at the most exposed facade of a home, Parkinson’s risk rose by 3%.
Having a quiet part of the home may mitigate the association.
The study was published in Jama Neurology and used nationwide health register data.
Chronic noise exposure exceeding WHO thresholds affects nearly one-third of Europeans.
Researchers took air pollution into account but lacked information on people’s lifestyles.
Experts said the study does not prove causation and that noise is likely a general stressor.
Open questions
Whether lifestyle factors could have influenced the findings, as the researchers lacked that data.
Whether the increased risk is due to noise itself or other factors linked to low socioeconomic status.
Key figures
Thomas Münzel, author of the study
Anna Hansell, professor of environmental epidemiology at the University of Leicester (not involved in the study)
Dr Peter Chan, senior researcher in environmental epidemiology at Nuffield Department of Population Health (not involved in the study)
John Stewart, chair of the UK Noise Association (not involved in the study)
Sources: The Guardian
