Noise Pollution as a Human Health Stressor: A Holistic Approach

Noise pollution is a threat to modern society, as it continues to endanger the health of humans and animals. Defined as unwanted sound, it is becoming more prevalent as urbanization expands due to a growing population’s infrastructural needs (Kight & Swaddle, 2011). This paper focuses on what anthropogenic noise entails for human health. Physiological measures can be used as direct evidence to understand bodily responses to environmental noise (Mir et al., 2023). Disease statistics in groups with daily exposure to noise pollution can also be used as an indicator of human health adversities. Additionally, whether it be due to greater awareness or detection strategies, the prevalence of mental health disorders has recently been on the rise (Crombie et al., 2011). Hence, it is also critical to address the role of anthropogenic noise on psychological welfare factors such as stress, anxiety, and aggression. This article will discuss why it is imperative to recognize the severity of noise pollution as a public health problem, as well as the role it plays in impairing human health (Goines & Hagler, 2007).