Occupational Noise Exposure and Incident Risk of Hypertension Among Construction Workers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)

Occupational noise poses a significant health risk, particularly for blue-collar workers, with potential consequences ranging from hearing loss to cardiovascular diseases. This research addresses the growing concern of hypertension among male construction workers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) due to occupational noise pollution, an issue exacerbated by the expected increase in construction industry employment. Hypertension, a major risk for cardiovascular diseases, is a common chronic condition with substantial societal implications. In Ontario, where 7.2% of the workforce is employed in construction, the need to understand and mitigate the impact of noise pollution on hypertension is urgent. This designed study, conducted over a 10-year period, will employ a cohort design, quantitatively measuring noise exposure levels using audio dosimeters by industrial hygienists and categorized into three levels: high, intermediate, and low. Annual physician evaluations will monitor incident cases of hypertension among male construction workers aged 16-65, comparing them to office workers in the same company. Existing research relies heavily on self-reported data and lacks longitudinal monitoring within the construction industry. By employing a rigorous quantitative approach, this study design aims to establish a clear association between occupational noise exposure and hypertension. The implications of the findings extend beyond individual health, impacting families, communities, and public health policies. The study's multidisciplinary approach ensures accessibility to a wide audience, emphasizing its relevance and potential to inform preventive strategies in addressing the global burden of hypertension among blue-collar workers.