The importance of traffic noise exposure among other exposome variables on children's wellbeing: Results from three studies across three countries

Chronic exposure to traffic noise impairs children's well-being. However, traffic noise exposure is only one aspect with impact on children's wellbeing. In order to better understand the importance of traffic noise in comparison to other influencing factors, the exposome concept can be useful. The EU project Equal-Life is addressing this issue by investigating the exposome and its influence on children's health and development. In the present paper, we focus on wellbeing which was operationalized as quality of life & happiness and prosocial behavior. Datasets of N = 3.103 children from three different studies (ALPINE, NORAH, RANCH NL) across three countries (Austria, Germany, the Netherlands) were used. Random forest models provide information on the importance of the physical and social exposome variables for children's wellbeing. We found differences between the studies with regard to the importance of traffic noise exposure (Lden). and the importance of other exposome variables. Nevertheless, results for non-acoustical variables were similar across studies (socio-demographic and environmental variables). Possible explanations and recommendations for authorities will be discussed.