Environmental noise

The effects in humans of exposure to environmental noise may vary from emotional to physiological and psychological.

[3] As a result, environmental noise is studied, regulated, and monitored by many governments and institutions around the world.

Environmental noise from the railway specifically is variable depending on the speed and quality of the tracks used for transportation.

Sources of recreational noise vary widely but they can include music festivals,[5] shooting ranges, sporting events, car racing, woodworking, pubs,[6] people's activities on the street,[7] etc.

Sound propagation outdoors is subject to meteorological effects (e.g. wind, temperature) that affect the distance, speed, and direction with which environmental noise travels from a source to a listener.

[8] There are some pieces of evidence that show a small correlation between environmental noise and reading and oral comprehension.

[8] Environmental noise in children is most commonly by people around them whether that be siblings crying or friends screaming.

Getting adequate and quality sleep is difficult for those who live in areas of high noise exposure.

Noise can raise blood pressure, change heart rate, and release stress hormones.

Consistent changes in these health statistics can lead to risks for hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and even more serious events such as a stroke or myocardial infarction.

[12] Those with misophonia may be particularly affected by environmental noise, especially when the sounds produced are repetitive or continuous over a long period of time.

Some ordinances set out specific guidelines for the level of noise allowable at certain times of the day and for certain activities.

[18] The FAA also pursues a program of aircraft noise control in cooperation with the aviation community.

The map aims to assist city planners, elected officials, scholars, and residents to gain access to up-to-date aviation and Interstate highway noise information.

In the third and the following phases, the methods for calculation of the noise levels will change while the criteria remains unchanged.

[23]  Within the European Union 40% of people are exposed to environmental noise in their daily commutes on the road which exceeds 55 dB(A).

Previously it was estimated that 10% of the population, approximately 2 million people, were exposed to above 70 dB Leq.

All of these environmental noise exposures have led to higher increases in blood pressure within the UK population.